Larry Richard Finley, 84, of Auburn, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 9th, 2022. Funeral Services are 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the Presbyterian Church in Auburn, Iowa, with Pastor Randy Russom officiating. Visitation is 9:00 to 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 12, at the church. Burial at Oaklawn Cemetery near Auburn, with Military Rites by American Legion Post #284 of Auburn. Lampe & Powers Funeral Home of Lake City, IA is handling the arrangements.
Larry was born to Bessie (Norton) & Everett Finley on August 22nd, 1937 in Auburn, Iowa. He was baptized in the Auburn Presbyterian Church. Larry graduated from Auburn High School in 1955, and the very next day left for the United States Air Force, where he gave 23 years of service, achieving the enlisted rank of Senior Master Seargent. During his time in the service Larry traveled the country and the globe, working in intelligence.
In 1957, Larry was united in marriage to Patricia Godfrey, and this union was blessed with two daughters, Janice and Lisa. On December 16th, 1988, Larry married Cynthia Ortner (Hillmer) of Auburn. They had one child Byron, and Cindy had six children (Sally, Matthew, Marcia, Sharon, Andrew and Andrea) that made this family complete.
Larry’s life of service continued after he retired from the military. After moving back to Auburn, Larry worked at the Lake View-Auburn schools. He was a friendly face to see in the hallways and could always find something to chuckle about. He served as Mayor of Auburn from 1981 to 1998, and did many great things to improve his hometown.
Larry enjoyed time in his workshop, helping with 4-H projects, boy scouts derby cars, and making the newest piece of furniture his wife thought up for him. He was a do-it-yourself man, building his home on his own, and helping his children through the years with their own home projects. In his later years, he and Cindy restored an old family barn, where he spent many summer days in the side by side, driving around his two favorite dogs, Duke and Riddick. This was also a place where family and friends gathered, and many precious memories were made.
Larry’s biggest joy came from his wife, children and the many grandchildren that were lucky enough to get to know him as “Papa.” Papa’s lap was rarely empty when the grandchildren visited, and there was never a bike tire that he couldn’t fix. There were many camping trips, fires, pool parties, and mischievous fire work shenanigans that made for great stories that will last forever.
Larry was a beloved husband, father, and papa to so many. He is survived by his wife Cindy Finley of Auburn, Janice Cook of Sacramento, CA, Lisa Finley of Sacramento, CA, Sally (Jason) Stoffregen of Auburn, Matthew (Deann) Ortner of Auburn, Marcia Ortner of Waukee, IA, Sharon Stone of Adel, IA, Andrew (Abby) Ortner of Auburn, Andrea Ortner of Fort Dodge, IA, and Byron Finley (fiancé Jessica Eischied) of Lytton, IA. Twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, sister, Wanda Borgeson, of Omaha, NE, and brother, Roger (Marie) Finley, of Gilbert, AZ.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Cheryl, sisters Betty Rubendall, Jackie Mortenson, and Beverly Onken, and brother Robert.
In lieu of flowers, donations will go towards an Auburn Veterans Memorial in Reiman Park.
