SYCAMORE — William “Bill” Finnan, 93, of Sycamore, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2019 in Rockford, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 28, 1926, in DeKalb to Francis and Katherine (Walsh) Finnan. He married Mary Ellen Kessen at St. Mary’s Church in DeKalb on July 31, 1948, they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Bill worked at General Electric for 40 years working very hard to provide a good life for his wife and children. He served in the U.S. Navy serving time in Europe during World War II. He enjoyed gardening and his wife enjoyed canning, especially his delicious tomatoes. He also was passionate about cars, especially in the later years the classic cars from his youth. He was an active participant in his grandchildren’s lives. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church. He will be remembered for his quite strength, generous spirit and sense of humor.
Survivors include his four children, Pamela McMurtrey of Glendale, Arizona, James W. (Kristi) Finnan of Rockford, Roger (Shannon) Finnan of DeKalb, and Jon (Sherrie) Finnan of Maple Park; 10 grandchildren, Brian Finnan of Glendale, Arizona, Shelly (Finnan) Kent of Avondale, Arizona, Carla (Finnan) Simons of Sycamore, Andrea (Finnan) Sheahan of Sycamore, William “Jamie” Finnan of Phoenix, Arizona, Zachary Finnan of DeKalb, Luke Finnan of DeKalb, Michael Finnan of Maple Park, Nikki (Heyob) Schmidt of Sycamore, Lindsey (Stover) Weiss of Maple Park, Logan Weaver of DeKalb; as well as 11 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Duke) Davenport; brother-in-laws, Robert Kessen and Richard (Joanne) Kessen; and sister-in-laws, Sandy Finnan, Louise Kessen and Carol Kessen.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Mary; sisters, Sarah Finnan, Mary Rita (Finnan) Thuestad and Kathleen Lindenmayer; and brothers, Francis Finnan and Thomas Finnan; and brother-in-laws, Thomas, James, and Gene Kessen, David Kessen and Joe Lindenmayer; and sister-in-laws, Harriet Finnan, Helen Kessen and Linda Kessen.
Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. Burial will follow the Mass in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the DeKalb American Legion. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Wake Service at 7 p.m. in the Finch Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, her family suggests memorials to the family to be established at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115; 815-758-3841.