Fred W. Finch, age 91, died Friday, November 23, 2012 at Riverview Health Services, Flandreau. Fred was born on June 16, 1921 in Dell Rapids, SD to Fred L. and Lulu (Bixler) Finch. He grew up in Dell Rapids and then moved with his family to Madison, SD where he graduated from Madison High School in 1940. Fred enlisted in the Army in 1941 and served in South America during WWII. Following his discharge, he married Reva M. Anderson on February 28, 1947 in Castlewood, SD. Fred then worked in Seattle, WA for a year and then they moved back to Moody County where he farmed. In 1956 Fred began his career with Morrell’s in Sioux Falls as a mule driver until his retirement in 1982. Fred and Reva traveled and spent 21 winters in Texas. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing pool and cards and riding his scooter. Fred was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Flandreau, a life-time member of the Brookings Elks, the Moose Lodge of Sioux Falls, Kelley-Porter American Legion Post #70, Flandreau and the Moody County VFW Post #3351.
Fred is survived by a brother-in-law, Kenneth Anderson of Dell Rapids, 5 nieces and nephews, Dale (Lana) Anderson, Pierre, Dean Anderson, New York, NY, Sharlene (Troy) Swier, Sioux Falls, Kathy (Bob) Bachofner, Vancouver, WA, Karen (Gary) Hurteau , Seattle, WA, 10 great-nieces and nephews, Shandra, Cody, Corbin, Kaylee, Kellie, Davis, Jared, Thomas, Kenton, Alyssa, and 1 great-great-nephew. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Reva, parents, 5 sisters and an infant brother.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:30 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Flandreau, with burial in Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation from 4-7pm Monday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm prayer service. www.skrochfc.com/