Gary A. Finn

In Loving Memory of Gary Alan Finn

August 21, 1955 – July 10, 2026

With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of Gary Alan Finn, who passed away surrounded by family while in hospice care at Taylor House and went home to be with Our Lord and Savior on July 10, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his residence on Saturday, July 18^th at 1:00PM.

Gary was born on August 21, 1955, in Hampton, Iowa, to Cecil E. Finn and Tena I. Finn. He was raised in Clarion, Iowa, and later lived in Des Moines, Iowa, where he built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love.

Gary was a hardworking, loyal, humble, and compassionate man known for helping others and putting their needs before his own. He showed his love through his actions and the many ways he cared for those around him. When his children were small, Gary served as a deacon in his Christian church, living his faith through service, kindness, and devotion.

On March 10, 2001, Gary married the love of his life, Kim Sue Finn. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, family traditions, and countless memories. Kim was his partner through every season of life, and their marriage was a beautiful example of commitment and devotion.

Family was Gary’s greatest joy. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Kim Sue Finn; his children Brenda (Alan) and Curtis (Jenny); and his stepdaughters Brandy (Rob) and Nicole, whom he loved and considered his own children.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Adilyn (Brenda), Marcus and Bekah (Curtis), Drew, Braylon, Ava, Caylie, Addie (Brandy), Tyron (Madalynn), Tyresha, and Anthony (Nicole).

He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren: Tyree and Xavier (Tyron)

Gary is also survived by his siblings: Mike (Cindy) and Donna (David).

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Myrna, brother Marlin, and granddaughter Tyra.

Gary spent many years providing for his family through hard work and dedication. He worked at AMF Manufacturing Company, Des Moines Plastics, and for more than 15 years at Maytag.

He later proudly served as a Correctional Officer at the Mitchellville Correctional Facility, where he worked until retiring in 2017.

One of Gary’s favorite hobbies was camping with Kim and his grandchildren, creating lifelong memories at Lake Okoboji, Lake of the Ozarks, Wisconsin Dells, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Thomas Mitchell Park, Lake Red Rock, and Little Wall Lake. He also enjoyed traveling to Washington, D.C., with Kim and camping with Larry and Myrna.

Gary also had a deep love for Harley Davidson motorcycles. He enjoyed the freedom, history, and craftsmanship that came with riding and owning a Harley. His last motorcycle was a beautiful old cherry red 1979 Sportster Harley Davidson, a bike that reflected his appreciation for classic style and the memories made along the way.

Gary found joy in the simple things. He loved watching Gunsmoke and classic westerns, sharing stories with his grandchildren about Festus and the mule. He encouraged everyone to watch along and “round ’em up, cowboys!”

He collected dollar coins in a burlap bag because they reminded him of the old ways and enjoyed old-school rock and roll, blues, and classic country music.

Those who knew Gary knew his sense of humor. He was a natural teaser who loved making people laugh. His quick wit, playful personality, and ability to brighten a room made him unforgettable. He had a gift for making ordinary moments special and leaving people with stories to share.

Gary’s kindness extended beyond his immediate family. After meeting Kim, he quickly embraced her children and loved them as his own. He showed that love through his actions, including volunteering to valet park at Brandy’s high school prom.

He was a devoted grandfather who loved creating special memories. He always made sure Ava had fun, keeping extra socks in his truck for trips to the McDonald’s PlayPlace and later Sky Zone.

His son-in-law, Rob Dawson, lovingly called him “Old Chap.” Rob became Papa’s go-to guy, helping Gary with many projects over the years and building a special relationship filled with respect, laughter, and friendship.

Gary and Kim also enjoyed their regular Taco Tuesday dinners with their grandchildren Anthony and Braylon, creating traditions that will be cherished forever.

Gary’s greatest legacy is the love he gave to his family and the lives he touched. He showed the importance of faith, humility, loyalty, kindness, and putting family first.

His stories, laughter, teasing, and unconditional love will continue through the generations he helped shape.

Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing Gary has been welcomed home by the Lord. We will carry his memories with us in every family gathering, every camping trip, every western watched, every motorcycle story shared, and every laugh shared.

Gary’s faith was an important part of his life. In his Bible, he had Psalm 23 bookmarked—a passage that brought him comfort and strength and reminded him of the Lord’s guidance and everlasting love. We share these words in honor of his faith and the hope he carried throughout his life.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

He gives me peaceful places to rest and leads me beside calm waters.

He renews my strength and guides me along the right path because of His love.

Even when I walk through the darkest valleys, I will not be afraid, because You are with me. Your presence gives me comfort.

You bless me with Your goodness and care for me, even in difficult times. My life overflows with Your blessings.

Your love and kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will live with the Lord forever.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.