Harry Finkelmeyer

Oconomowoc—Harry Joseph Finkelmeyer died on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at his home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He was born in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, on March 1, 1938, the son and youngest child of George and Mary (Murphy) Finkelmeyer. As a young boy, Harry attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Mineral Point and graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1956. Harry played football, basketball, and ran track in high school. He was the quarterback of his football team, captain of his basketball team, and qualified for the state track meet in the 440 yard dash. Following high school, Harry attended the Milwaukee Area Technical College and received an associate degree in barbering. Harry married the love of his life, Dorothy Unger, on August 30, 1958. Together, Harry and Dorothy raised five sons and built a life together in Oconomowoc. Harry was a very active community member and took his role as father and mentor very seriously. He dedicated much of his life to not only his own sons, but many of the children in Oconomowoc. He served as the treasurer of the St. Jerome Athletic Association for nearly 20 years and served one term as the President of the St. Jerome Home and School Association. Harry was also very proud of his membership in the Knights of Columbus and took great interest in the annual tootsie roll drive to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities. Whether it was attending a sporting event, a concert, or a play, Harry supported his sons and their friends enthusiastically. Even after his sons had moved on, Harry was a fixture at many different events throughout Oconomowoc. Harry was a well-respected barber in the community for over 50 years. He provided high-quality haircuts to several generations of Oconomowoc families. More importantly, he provided a kind word, warm smile, and yes, even some advice to countless people. Harry always took particular care to reach out to customers and friends who were ill or dealing with difficult times. He ensured that they received the same treatment as anyone else. Harry carried out his faith through his vocation and brought a great deal of happiness to those he touched. At his core, Harry was a family man. He was a patient, kind, and gentle soul. He and Dorothy were married for 58 years and she was always the center of his life. Their love for each other was strong and resolute. Up until the end, the most important thing to him was making sure she was safe and happy. Harry was a loving son to his parents and a devoted brother to his 5 brothers and sisters. He loved and respected them deeply, and in turn, they loved and respected him. Harry was a beloved uncle who could always bring a smile to his nieces and nephews. In his later years, he gave his nieces and nephews someone they could hold onto and who could fondly remember their parents in the same way they did. As he grew older, Harry took great delight in his three grandsons, Harry Joseph II, Charles, and John, and his daughter-in-law, Katy. While Harry was never an overly effusive man, he did allow a little more pride to show when you mentioned them. Finally, Harry loved and nurtured his sons. He guided them through both good and tragic times. His quiet strength and faith in God will never be forgotten by any of them. He was truly the best man any of them ever knew. Harry is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sons Carl, Christopher, Curt, and Corey (Kathryn); grandsons Harry Joseph II, Charles, and John; sister Alice Carey; sisters-in-law Gola Finkelmeyer, Jacqueline Clayton (Donald), and Joni Schaub (David); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harry was preceded in death by his oldest son, Craig; parents George and Mary Finkelmeyer; brothers Francis and Paul Finkelmeyer; sisters Jean Figge and Norma Finkelmeyer; father-in-law John Unger; mother-in-law Gladys Unger (Ellery); brothers-in-law John Unger, Jr., Richard Figge, and Wayne Carey; and sister-in-law Anna Mae Finkelmeyer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 995 South Silver Lake Street, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, on Monday October 10, 2016, at 6 p.m. Visitation will be at St. Jerome immediately prior to mass from 4-6 p.m. Burial and interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, on Tuesday October 11, 2016, at 11 a.m. Harry was very proud of his Irish heritage and often cited the Irish Blessing as words of great comfort to him. In fact, the thoughts expressed in the Irish Blessing were precisely what Harry wished upon every person he met. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.