Gerald Finkral

Gerald Eugene Finkral, 88, of Lansing died Friday, November 13, 2015 at his home in Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, November 18 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing, with Rev. John Moser as the Celebrant. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing.
Gerald was born August 16, 1927 to Archie and Alice (Hodges) Finkral in Madison County, NE. He attended Madison County Nebraska Country School.
Gerald was united in marriage with Wilhelmine “Willi” Rose Walleser December 4, 1989 in Elk Point, SD. They met at a polka dance. He was a lifelong farmer. Gerald was also a pilot and loved to fly. He enjoyed dances, camping and fishing in South Dakota. They relished their trips together to Alaska, Branson, California, Canada, Memphis and Nashville.
Gerald also spent time wood working, veggie gardening, dumpster diving, listening to music and watching westerns, especially John Wayne movies, Bonanza, Gun Smoke and Little House on the Prairie. He loved spending time window watching from his recliner, seeing the trains and cars passing by and the activity on the river. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Wilhelmine “Willi” Finkral of Lansing; his five children: Linda (Butch) Gray of Albion, NE, Mary Lee Wachter of Kearney, NE, Debbie Novotny of Cedar Bluff, NE, Jerry (Mary) Finkral of Elgin, NE and Janelle Finkral of Vancouver, WA; three step-children: Mary (Dave) Robinson of Ankeny, Anthony “Tony” (Joseph) Henry of Lansing and Christopher Henry of Lansing; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Alice Finkral; his daughter, Cheryl Good; his brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Joanne Finkral; and a nephew, Larry Finkral.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.