Howard Eugene Finkle

Mesa, Arizona: Howard Eugene Finkle, age 85, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, May 28, 2011 with his wife and daughter by his side at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, after a long illness. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive, Montana with a memory service for family and friends at 7:00 P.M. at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Glendive with Ed Williamson officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Howard was born February 15, 1926 in Beach, North Dakota, the second of three sons, to Howard L and Lela (Hall) Finkle. He grew up on the family farm in Wibaux, Montana and graduated from High School with the class of 1944 as Co-Valedictorian. On Christmas, of 1943, Howard proposed to his love and classmate, Aimee Storkel, and they were married on her parent?s farm May 26, 1944, just one week after their graduation. It was true love as they just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. After serving in World War II in the Navy Sea Bees for two years, Howard came back to his bride and farmed for a few years in Wibaux. Howard, Aimee, and their two children, JoAn and Jim, moved to Glendive in 1954 after Howard began working for Daniel Oil Field Construction. He began as a laborer, moving to a foreman, supervisor, manager and later becoming part owner. Starting with six men and a piece of broken equipment, he built the company to seventy employees in five states. Howard never lost his love of ranching. He and his family began ranching in 1969 on 3 Mile Creek northwest of Glendive where they raised cattle and grain. He loved the times when all the neighbors would gather for spring branding and to help one another throughout the year. He was happiest when he was on a tractor or a combine. He sold his ranch in 1976 and later owned ranches east of Edgar, Montana and south of Columbus, Montana. After his retirement from ranching, he worked for 10 more years as an oil and gas pipeline inspector. At age 79, Howard retired from the oilfield after his 5th heart attack. A Pacemaker/Defibrillator was implanted and he could no longer work around equipment. Howard and Aimee were residents of Glendive from 1954 to 2008 (except for two years in Baker, Montana). For 25 years, they enjoyed spending the winters in Mesa, area and the summers in Montana. In the winter, they enjoyed spending time with their Montana friends and classmates hosting dinners, dancing, playing games and attending church. In 2009, due to health concerns, Howard and his wife decided to live full time in Mesa. Howard wanted everyone to know that the greatest pleasure in his life was his family. Howard was preceeded in death by his parents, Howard and Lela Finkle; brothers, Glen and Don Finkle and grandson, Kent Brafford. Howard is survived by his wonderful wife, Aimee of Mesa; daughter, JoAn Brafford of Tempe, Arizona; son, Jim (Nancy) Finkle of Rifle, Colorado; grandchildren, Kevin (Karolyn) Brafford, Korey Brafford, KayCee Storck, Lisa (Phillip) Peterson and Douglas Finkle; great grandchildren, Chris Brafford, Mitchell Brafford, Devan Brafford, Stefan Storck, Gregory Storck, Mikel Storck, Jason Storck, and Zachary Peterson and great-great grandchild, Jareth Brafford. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com

Howard Eugene Finkle

February 15, 1926 - June 4, 2011

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Howard Eugene Finkle

February 15, 1926 - June 4, 2011

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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