John "Jack" Finneseth

October 15, 1935 - February 18, 2016

John “Jack” Rain Finneseth born October 15, 1935, of Jefferson, Iowa passed away February 18, 2016 in Iowa City surrounded by loved ones at the age of 80 years. Jack was born October 15, 1935 to Lloyd and Alpha (Rain) Finneseth in Rochester, Minnesota. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1953. Jack attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa for 2 years. He then enlisted in the army and served for 2 years. Jack moved to Jefferson to manage, Anthony’s, a local clothing store. He met, and then married Kay (Slininger) October 14, 1961 in Jefferson, Iowa. During his life, Jack established the Finneseth’s Hallmark Card and Toggery in Jefferson and Carroll. In the early, 1970’s Jack started his promotional sales career with the Vernon Company and he was a member of the 4 million dollar club; he was then with the Newton Manufacturing Company; and at the time of his death he was with the Halo Corporation. Jack is best known for the volunteering he has done over his lifetime and his ability to strike up a conversation with anybody. Jack was a member of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson Planning and Zoning board for over 50 years, volunteered at the Jefferson Public Library, helped to organize 2 All-School Reunions, volunteered at many Appaloosa horse shows, helped at Deal’s Orchard, timed at Perry and Jefferson track meets and swim meets, counted bikes for the BRR ride, helped organize Jefferson wrestling meets, was the aquatics commissioner for Iowa Games and the Special Olympics, and did various activities during Bell Tower Day. He was Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair in 2013. Jack was also an avid Iowa State Cyclones fan, holding season tickets to numerous sporting events with his wife since the 1960’s. His greatest joy was his two sons and grandchildren; he loved the time he was able to spend with family. Jack is survived by his wife, Kay Finneseth of Jefferson, IA; children, Scott (Kay) Finneseth, Perry, IA, and Steve (Melissa) Finneseth, Lee’s Summit, MO; 6 grandchildren: David Finneseth, John (Samantha) Finneseth, Amanda Finneseth, Laura Finneseth, Allison Finneseth, and Megan Finneseth; 2 great-grandchildren: Eric and Olivia Finneseth; a brother, Robert (Roberta) Finneseth, Austin, MN; nieces, other family members, and many friends. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Alpha Finneseth. Funeral Services for John “Jack” Finneseth, 80, of Jefferson will be 10:00 am Monday, February 22, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. Visitation will begin after 11:00 am Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Interment will be at the Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson, IA. Memorials may be left in Jack’s name to establish a scholarship at Greene County High School for a student that is involved in volunteerism.