Donald C. Finger

Saginaw, MI

Donald Charles Finger, 98, took his last breath here on Earth early September 25, 2024 at Bickford Assisted Living in Saginaw, Michigan.

Son of Walter and Rose Finger, he was born February 24, 1926 in Saginaw, Michigan. He went to Kulmbach Elementary School, graduated from Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and in 1946 became a Merchant Marine, working for the Huron Cement Company on the St. Crapo ship. In 1948, Don married the love of his life, Shirley Harriet Manning, of Alpena, Michigan. Then after a few other miscellaneous jobs, Don spent several years farming: crops, chickens, pigs and dairy cattle. He was quite proud of the milk produced on his farm as the cows were of high quality and it sold very well.

Don decided to give up the farming and seek other employment. He gives all credit to his wife, Shirley, for helping him find council to give him direction. To his surprise, he was tested and told that his scores indicated that he could do whatever he desired to do. Thus, he chose teaching children with special needs. In 1961, he attended and practically aced his classes at Michigan State University. In 1965, he began teaching in the Saginaw Public Schools, Handley, Houghton, and eventually Stone Elementary School. Don was an exceptionally good teacher and astounded the parents with what skills and abilities he was able to manifest in their children.

While teaching, Don pursued further education and graduated with a Master's degree in Special Education in 1970. Don taught 25 years, from 1965 to 1991, at which time he chose to retire. Don reiterated many times that that job was the best and most rewarding for him. He had a heart for those children and changed many lives who otherwise may have not had the same outcome. He also made repeated comments that he was glad to be out of farming which gave him more freedom, especially to travel and see the sights! Thus, when he retired from teaching, he and Shirley traveled to Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, and yearly trips to Florida, Myrtle Beach, and Virginia Beach. Don and Shirley also enjoyed ballroom dancing, and regularly participated in the Washington Club, Saginaw, and later the Lincoln Hall Senior Dance, Bay City each week.

Don was passionate about collecting and repairing clocks and watches, amassing an incredible collection. Our house was filled with dings, dongs, and cuckoos, at least every hour on the hour. Don enjoyed listening to and spent many hours recording different genres of music, TV shows, and even the Bible.

Besides clocks, music, and dancing, Don was very handy around the house, and when Shirley became a realtor, he took it upon himself to go with her and help make decisions, improvements and repairs where needed in the buildings she obtained. They made a nice team at that point in life.

Don's faith in Jesus Christ was evident in his daily life as he followed Christian standards, taught his children right from wrong and paid for them to attend a Christian school (for which they are ever thankful) and regularly attended church. He was known as a man of integrity.

Don was preceded to Heaven by his mother Rose Meyerhuber Finger, father Walter J. Finger, and sister Adell Dankert.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his sister June Siebert of Mt. Clemens, MI, and his four children, Lauren Reinhardt (late Richard Reinhardt) of Bradenton, FL, Susan Rafferty (Tim Rafferty) of Saginaw, MI, Shanti Rose (Craig Rademacher) of Corvallis, OR, and Rebecca Dozier (Allen Dozier) of Saginaw, MI; four grandchildren: Don Reinhardt, George Hunt, Julie Hiller, and Jacob Hunt; and four great-grandchildren: Julia, Annie, Jacob, and Molly Hunt.

Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Don's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and School or Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.

View tribute video for Donald Charles Finger