Obituary

Timothy Finn
November 3, 1948 - August 22, 2018

Timothy Finn

Timothy Finn
Nov 3, 1948 - Aug 22, 2018

Timothy Finn
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The Honorable Timothy James Finn passed away August 22, 2018, at the age of 69 years old. A resident of Ames, he was born November 3, 1948 in Jefferson to Richard (Mick) and Helen Finn, he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967, from the University of Iowa in 1971 and from Drake Law School in 1974. He was a wonderful husband and father. Family was at the center of his life. Upon graduation, he clerked for Justice David Harris of the Iowa Supreme Court. In 1975, he moved to Ames to hang his shingle creating the law firm of Murray Curtis and Finn, later becoming Curtis Finn and Pattison. With $20 in income from his first month in practice, he bought a book to pass the time waiting for the phone to ring.
In 1987, he was appointed a District Court Judge. Serving for 30 years on the bench, Tim was guided by his ethics, humility, courtesy, even-temperament and fairness. As an avid reader of American history and politics, his insight was welcomed in conversation.
Tim is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son Patrick and his daughter-in-law Amy and his grandchildren Emma and Henry, his mother, Helen Finn, his siblings, Mike, Mary and Chris and sister-in-law Pam and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter Katherine and son-in-law John and his father Mick.
A gathering of friends and family will be held 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 2018, with a 3:30 p.m. Vigil Service at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 2210 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50014. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2018, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames, Burial will follow at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Story County Bar Association PO Box 51 Nevada, IA 50201 and will go towards the local Finn-Milleman Memorial law student scholarship.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Jerilyn Seitz on Sep 30, 2018

Marilyn, I just heard about Tim's passing and I am so very sorry. Tim wrote our first wills when he was beginning his law practice and we were so impressed with his attention to detail and knowledge of things we wouldn't have thought of. What a terrible loss for you and your family. My sincere sympathy. Jerilyn Thiel Seitz

John Doe on Sep 9, 2018

I met Judge Finn when he was a decent person and before he became mean and vicious. Like many attorneys that were before him over the last few years, I was blamed for killing his daughter. My his tortured soul now rest in peace along with the courthouse from his demonic spats.

Carolyn (Olson) Severson on Aug 28, 2018

I first met Judge Finn when I was a law student in the early 1980's and later as a new attorney in Story County. He always treated attorneys and parties with respect and took his oath very seriously. In my view, he epitomized the perfect combination of judicial temperament, wisdom, and knowledge of the law. My condolences to all.

Carin Forbes on Aug 27, 2018

On behalf of the attorneys and staff at The Legal Aid Society of Story County, we offer our deepest sympathies to Judge Finn's family. We were lucky and honored to practice before Judge Finn, and he will be missed greatly.

Laura Wilson on Aug 27, 2018

Amy, Patrick and Marilyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers. Tim always made me feel so welcome in your home. He always seemed like such a kind and happy soul. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Thinking of all of you.

Taylor Bradley on Aug 26, 2018

I met Judge Finn when I was lucky enough to receive the Katherine Finn Milleman Memorial Scholarship. It was clear to me he was a kind and genuine man who cared deeply. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.

David Baller on Aug 25, 2018

Tim was a friend, a classmate and an inspiration. We traded birthday parties. We were both members of the Charity Ball court. I represented him for Student Council President-which he won-via a campaign skit. In our Senior Class Yearbook it pictures the Government teacher proposing a question to the class and Tim is the only one with a raised hand. As early as our Freshman year, he was signing his name-Tim Finn Esquire-on his homework. A great sign of his vision and determination. I remember speaking to Tim in length at our 40th class reunion, shortly after losing his daughter and son-in-law to such a tragic event. At the conclusion of the conversation he stated, "They had a lot of potential." What a great summation by a father that knew he created perfection and knew there was even more to come. He could inspire!
He was always an asset for our class-what an icon he has become. I will miss his even temperament and his great smile. Accolades to a man that made society better for us all. Love to his family. He meant a lot to me.
David Baller

Rosemary Golus on Aug 25, 2018

Marilyn and family
I had the privilege of meeting Tim at Aunt Helen's last summer. I had not seen him for many years and I was very impressed by his nature. So sorry for your loss Cousin Rosemary Golus

Jay Kamath on Aug 24, 2018

Dear Finn Family: Please accept my deepest condolences. Words cannot express the sadness I felt upon receiving news of Judge Finn's passing. During my tenure at Story County Legal Aid, I always enjoyed appearing before Judge Finn because I knew he would treat those who came before him with respect and make sure that justice would be applied fairly to each case. More importantly, the judge would always take him from his busy schedule to visit with me whenever possible in chambers and talk about matters unrelated to law, especially relishing on family related matters and world history. His love and devotion to his children dominated most of our discussions. Receiving Judge Finn's yearly recognition for service to the Story County Bar Association was one of my greatest honors and I will cherish the book that he gave me. I am honored to have had the privilege of appearing before him and to have developed a friendship. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Prayers and thoughts to the family. Rest in peace. -Jay Kamath

Jim McGuire on Aug 24, 2018

I had a hearing a couple of years ago in Nevada when I first met Tim Finn. I practice in Mason City and had never been to the court house in Nevada. The hearing was cancelled and Tim and I talked a lot in his chambers. I was so impressed. He was so genuine and kind. I was so privileged to have had that opportunity to meet this terrific man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and my prayers are with you.

Jim McGuire

Sandra Schmitz on Aug 24, 2018


My deepest condolences to the Finn family. When I think of Tim, the word that comes to mind is KIND. He was such a kind man and that's so important in today's world. I was lucky to speak with him at our 50th high school reunion. His focus was always on the other person, not on himself.
We've lost a special person. God Bless Tim and His Family during this difficult time.

janice Coble on Aug 24, 2018

Our condolences to your family. Judge Finn was always a lovely visitor during our days at Temptations on Main. Janice & Tim Coble

Mary McCarty Moench on Aug 24, 2018

Marilyn and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Jim and Mary (McCarty) Moench

John Hines on Aug 24, 2018

I had the privilege of clerking for Judge Finn last year. He not only gave me guidance about practicing law but also about life in general. Judge Finn was always frank in our chats, and we shared a lot of laughter. I am glad to have known him, and he will be missed.

Cheryl Stidwell Parker on Aug 24, 2018

Tim was Truly the nicest guy I knew, from fifth grade on, he was the best, most of all he was kind to everyone. Last year when I couldn’t make the 50th class reunion due to health concerns he took time to write me a note of encouragement. Compassionate best describes him. My heart goes out to Marilyn and family and the multitude of friends. And most especially to Helen.

Darla on Aug 24, 2018

To the Finn family ( Mike, Mary and Chris) I send you all my most sincere and deepest condolences. I had the honor of meeting this wonderful soul during his visits with his Mother Helen. He had this infectious smile that was always a welcome surprise during his visits. He had a way of making me feel as if we had known each other for years. I know there are no words that I can express to you to erase your sorrow or fill the void you have in your heart...but if by knowing that others are near you and supporting you even in silence gives you comfort, than perhaps the pain you are feeling will subside... if even a little. There are no words that others express can take away your loss.....please know that we are all here for you.

penni Guyler on Aug 24, 2018

Tim was co-editor of our HS paper The Quill with me. We were not in the same league, but he treated me with such patience. I worked for Mick for s couple of years in the studio which gave me so much experience. I felt like an adopted sister---and wanted to be. This quiet, loving, patient man will so sorely missed by so many people and I am one of them. Rest in Eternal peace dear friend, you will be missed. Penni (Wheeler) Guyler. JCHS

Ellen Perry Crayne on Aug 23, 2018

Marilyn and family,
I’m so sad to hear about Tim. The Jefferson Class of 67 has lost a kind, caring man. I am honored to say that he was a friend.

Peggy Rick on Aug 23, 2018

Marilyn, Patrick, and Amy, so saddened to hear of this news. My heart aches for you all. Hold on to the memories.

Robin Olberding on Aug 23, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers. Robin Olberding

Heidi & Alex Lauerman on Aug 23, 2018

We are so very saddened by this news. Judge Finn was the sweetest, most supportive parent, with such a twinkle in his eye. Our hearts are with Marilyn, Patrick and the entire Finn family. May he smile down upon you. Our deepest sympathies are with you all. Prayers and hugs today and always.

Elizabeth (Bowling) Burge on Aug 23, 2018

My deepest condolences and prayers to the Finn family. Praying for comfort during this difficult time.

Mike Lewis on Aug 23, 2018

My heart fell to floor when I saw the email on Monday that His Honor had passed. I will always cherish and honor the time I have known Judge Finn. There could be no two different people than he and I, however we connected somehow. I have been proud to know some brave and devoted men and served with several. They believed in what they were doing and they knew why they were doing it. They loved their country and their family and would do anything for either. Judge Finn was one of those.

I remember when he lost his daughter and the strength he displayed in spite of me knowing he was dying inside. My daughter came to meet him once and asked him to help her with her "flat Stanley" project at school. He lit up and of course agreed. She sent him the picture we took and every time after when he would see me he would always ask, "how's your daughter?" The first time I went into his chambers after he lost his daughter, he of course began by asking me, "how's your daughter, counsel?" I lowered my head and I sobbed like a child. We just sat and cried. I would never share this memory with anyone but his family. I will miss him and salute him. I will raise a glass in his memory.

John A. Tillo on Aug 23, 2018

My deepest condolences to the Hon. Judge Finn's family. I was extremely saddened to hear of his death.

The obituary writer is spot-on. Judge Finn was guided by his ethics, humility, courtesy, even-temperament and fairness. It was an honor to practice law in his court and he will be sorely missed.

Tiffany and Eric Walter on Aug 23, 2018

We were so sad to hear to of Tim's passing. Praying for comfort for you all during this sad time.

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Visitation

Aug
26
Sunday
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
2210 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50014
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM


Service

Aug
27
Monday
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
2210 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50014
10:00 AM


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