Visitation: Friday, June 20, 2025, 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust Street, Glenwood, Iowa.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Keg Creek Brewery, 17 N. Vine Street, Glenwood, Iowa.
Russell Ellis “Rusty” Finken died on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at age 75 in Council Bluffs. He was born Aug. 24, 1949, in Council Bluffs, to Carmen and Ellis Finken. His mother died when Russ was only 4 and he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Jonas and Esta Jackson, in Logan.
His family owned Mars Café in Missouri Valley, where Russ did a little of everything. He graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School in 1967 and earned his teaching degree from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska.
Russ was a longtime elementary and junior high school teacher in Glenwood. After more than two decades in the classroom, he earned his master’s degree from Creighton University and his education specialist degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He spent the remainder of his career as a school administrator in Iowa and Nebraska, most notably as principal of Glenwood Middle School and superintendent of Nishna Valley, Iowa and Tri-County, Nebraska schools.
Russ was a longtime high school football and basketball official in Iowa. For 25 summers, he co-managed the Davies Amphitheater in Glenwood with his wife, Sybil. His favorite acts included Pam and the Pearls, the Martin Family, and Britt Small and Festival.
As a loyal American Red Cross blood donor, he gave more than 50 gallons of blood and platelets over more than 35 years. He was a passionate advocate for the Glenwood Resource Center, where his son Seth has lived for 40 years.
Russ was an avid Husker football and Creighton basketball fan. He loved going to Jays games with lifelong friends from Logan and had season tickets right behind the visitors bench. He loved clean cars and golden oldies music. And he loved his family most of all.
He is survived by sons Zach (Deb), Luke (Kathleen Fitzsimmons) and Seth; daughter Carmen (Andrew DeFrancisci); their mother, Sybil; grandchildren Jackson, Mae and Cleo; and many friends.
Donations can be made to: The Voice of Reason (vor.net), the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and the Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial.
Per his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
21 Condolences
So very sorry for the families loss, always like Russ always had a smile!!
Sorry for your loss! May your memories give you peace! Prayers 🙏
One of my best friends ever.. He was a groomsman in my wedding and a pallbearer for my first wife’s funeral. Sybil sang for our wedding and for Glenettes funeral Russ was also my roommate in Northwest Missouri. Boy do I have some stories there?!
We extend our sincerest condolences to the Finken family. We have fond memories of Russ and his family during his many years in Glenwood.
So very sad to hear Russ has passed away. Lyle enjoyed being on Russ’s Football Crew and was glad to take over the White hat position after Russ retired.
I’m so sorry to hear about Russ’s passing. We had good times back in the day. He will be missed by many. I’m praying for all of the family.
Russ has been a lifelong friend. Our birthdays are only eight days apart. We started kindergarten together and graduated high school together. Played football and baseball together. He played 1st base and I played 2nd base. He caught a 65 yard touchdown pass from me our senior year. I have great memories of our friendship. Russ was always a gentleman. I (We) will miss him.
I’m gonna miss my favorite teacher Russ always made me smile. Keep everyone in line we have lost from the Class of 94 . Gonna miss you Russ. Keeping family in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. (Dr.) Finken was a positive influence on the members of our family with whom he interacted! The field of education could use more people like him!
Our sincere condolences to the Finken family.
John, Diane, Katie & Chrissy
My deepest condolences in the passing of your Dad. He became my new friend. Seth and my mom are in the same cottage and your Dad used to visit often. We would talk about classic cars, the beautiful weather and the amazing care Seth receives at Glen Haven Village. Such a kind soul.
I was very saddened to hear of Rusty’s passing. He clearly touched many lives. During his highschool and college days he and my brother Raymond were close friends. When my brother’s life was cut short due to an accident in 1973, Rusty was there to share in the grief with my family. In the past few years we would occasionally run into eachother at the grocery store or restaurant and take a few minutes to catch up and remanence. He’ll be sorely missed by his community and friends.
Thinking of The Finken family !! Mr. Finken was an amazing educator and lucky to have been able to meet him. Such an awful loss and my heart goes out to everyone in the family!!!
I have so many great memories with this family. Thanks for always making me feel welcome. Jan and I are wishing all of you peace and comfort.
My condolences to the Finken family. Russ cared about his students. He was my daughter’ Celine’s favorite principal . He was a kind , gentle educator to her. I appreciated his expertise as a teacher and principal. Thinking of all of you.
I had the pleasure of being Russ’s secretary when he was the Superintendent for Nishna Valley. school District. I enjoyed working with him and have great memories of my time with him at NV. My condolences to the Finken family.
Prayers of comfort
When I walk down the memory lane of my childhood I have so many memories of Uncle Rusty. There was always a lot of laughter and I can still see the twinkle of mirth in his bright blue eyes. I will cherish the times I spent with him and send love and prayers to all the family that your dreams and thoughts are filled with love and beautiful memories of your own at this sad time.
Mr. Finken was and my favorite teacher. His sense of humor was fantastic. Always good to me. Very sorry to his family. I am better for knowing him.
I am so sorry for this loss of your Sybil, I so enjoy his friendship and also yours during the past years Sending my heartfelt condolences
I was very sorry to hear that Russ passed. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers for peace and comfort.
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