Deborah Finney, 70
Deborah Finney, 70, of Humboldt, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center in Hallock, Minn.
Deborah Jean Balken was born on Sept. 26, 1952, in Fergus Falls, Minn., the eldest child of Gordon and Dorothy Balken. She grew in Pine River, Minn., and graduated there in 1970.
Deb attended Bemidji State University and graduated with a teaching degree in 1974. Her first job was at Hallock Elementary School. She remained in the Hallock and later Kittson Central School system until her retirement in 2009.
On June 27, 1981, she was united in marriage to Daniel Finney. They made their home in Humboldt, and later, on the family farm in rural St. Vincent. On April 12, 1990, their son Bryant was born.
Deb was an avid gardener and bird watcher. She spent many hours working in her gardens and watching the birds and butterflies that she nurtured. She loved her cats and other peoples’ as well.
She was an active member of the Humboldt Methodist Church and the UMW, serving on the board and as an officer in the UMW. She worked for many summers at the Kittson County Fair where she handled the exhibit entries (and was on more than one occasion commandeered as a judge). She and her son, Bryant, were often contributors as well.
Dan and Deb were long time members of the Hallock Curling Club. Deb did not care whether she won or lost. She always tried her hardest, but she was truly just there to have fun! She was a member of a hobby club, homemakers’ group, birthday club and Delta Kappa Sorority. She enjoyed many interactions with all of these groups, as well as volunteering at the Cornerstone Pantry in Hallock.
Deb was an avid reader and leaves behind an extensive library. She enjoyed bazaars and hobby shows, and has many relics to show for that. She enjoyed traveling and went on many trips with her very good friend Betty, and later with Dan and other friends and relatives.
Deb was always on hand to help others in her quiet and caring way; whether it was to provide rides to appointments or by simply being their when you needed a friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Deborah Jean Finney is survived by her mother, Dorothy Balken; sister, Eva (Bruce) Haber; brother, Gordy (Angie) Balken; brother-in-law, John Finney (Maureen); niece, Kristen (Daniel Harvieux); as well as other nieces and nephews.
Deb was preceded in death by her husband, Dan; son, Bryant; and father, Gordon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humboldt Methodist Church and the Cornerstone Pantry in Hallock.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at 2 p.m. in the Humboldt Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Joe River Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the service.
Austin Funeral Home, Hallock, is in charge of arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com.
