Janice Kaye Finke

December 02, 1938 — June 29, 2024

Janice Finke

Service Details

Janice Finke, 85, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on June 29, 2024.

Jan was born on December 2, 1938 to Gerald and Caroline Armstong in Des Moines, Iowa and immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. She graduated from Eldora High School as an accomplished basketball player. Jan played in the 1955 and 1956 State Basketball Tournament, 1956 Women's AAU National Basketball Tournament and was inducted into the Iowa Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961. Janice fell in love with Art Finke and the couple married in 1957. This union of 66 years brought 5 children, Jacque (Rick) Myli, Al (Faith) Finke, Jeff (Janelle) Finke, Amy Finke, and Janelle (Kim) Thompson; 14 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

Jan's life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her family and her many talents. She found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening and creating vibrant and flourishing spaces that reflected her love for nature. Her sewing skills produced countless cherished garments and quilts, each piece crafted with love and precision. Jan also had a passion for painting, and her artwork adorned the homes of family and friends, serving as a lasting testament to her creativity. In addition, Jan worked as an office manager for retail giants, JCPenney, Herberger’s and Younkers after the children were in school.

Jan’s gentle spirit, artistic talents, and devotion to her loved ones will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Art; her children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and sister, Carol McGeough. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Caroline Armstrong; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Ginger Armstrong; and brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Phyllis Armstrong.

Memorials may be directed to the family and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Services will be held Monday, July 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will follow. Private burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

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