Norbert Walter Finke

Norbert Walter Finke was born on July 18, 1940, in Davenport Nebraska to William George Carl and Edna Dora (Weiss) Finke, and passed away April 30th 2025, at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler, NE at the age of 84. He was one of 9 children and was raised in the Kiowa/Deshler area.  He was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kiowa, NE on July 28th 1940 and confirmed on April 11, 1954.  He attended Kiowa grade school and graduated from Deshler High School.

Norbert was married to Lila Pitts on January 14, 1962, and to this union 2 sons were born, Kyle Lee and Kory Lynn Finke.   Later in life, he was united in marriage to Shirley Kelch Powell on June 28, 1975, and “inherited” daughters Kim Powell, Becky Degenhardt, and son Doug Powell.

Norbert was active in the National Guard and was a recipient of the Quilt of Valor.  He retired from Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph after a long career as a customer service technician and enjoyed running Rex Recreation Pool Hall.  After retirement, he filled his time mowing yards in town and working part time at Price Funeral Home.

Norbert enjoyed camping and boating, tailgating at Husker Football games, playing cards, bowling, and going out to eat with their supper club.  He also enjoyed traveling and visiting with many neighbors and life-long friends.

He is preceded in death by parents Bill and Edna Finke; brothers Roger Finke, Don Finke, Robert Finke (Norbert’s twin), Darrell Finke and wife Kay; sister JoAnn Jeppeson and  husband Warren; and brother in-law Tim Hajek.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Ann Finke; sisters Lila Hineline and husband Les, Donna Hajek, and Judy Kujath and husband Mark; sisters-in-law Sylva Finke and Louisa Fintel; sons Kyle Finke and wife Barb, Kory Finke and wife Dee, Doug Powell and Mel; daughters Kim Powell and Becky Degenhardt and husband Max; grandchildren, Megan (Matt) Wollum, Taylor (TJ) Loudner, Garrett Finke, Mason Roth, Amelia Roth, Dustin (Dannyris) Powell, Jamie (Austin) Schweitzer, Jeremy Powell, Colby (Trudy) Degenhardt, Craig (Rachel) Degenhardt, and Nikki (Andrew) McGill; great-grandchildren, Avery and Blakely Wollum, Jackson, Julian, and Nayeli Powell, Kira, Karissa, Kenzi, and Braxton Schweitzer, Calli, Taryn, Sadie, and Colt Degenhardt, Dax, Flynn, and Josey Degenhardt, and Elyse and Collins McGill, and a host of many nieces and nephews.

Since Norbert was such an avid Husker fan, please feel free to wear Husker attire if you wish.

Memorials are directed to the family’s choice for designation at a later time.

A Funeral Service for Norbert will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron with Pastor Keith Brozek officiating.  Interment will be at the Hebron City Cemetery.  A Public Viewing will be held on Monday, May 5, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Price Funeral Home in Hebron.  The family will not be present at the viewing.