death of DL Capt. Stephen C. Finken, age 79 (1945-2025)
death flwnwst
~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. Steve Finken
August 28, 1945 ~ January 4, 2025
As noted in this month’s AIR LINE PILOT magazine, the passing of DL Capt. Stephen C. Finken in January 2025. Stephen Charles Finken joined Delta Air Lines 02-08-1973 and was based Atlanta. Captain Finken is survived by his wife Sharon, and by his children and their families.
Steve had most recently resided in Iowa : 1440 Highway 44, Harlan, IA 51537.
PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/07/dl-capt-steve-finken.html
https://www.pauleyjones.com/obituaries/steve-finken
Steve’s obituary :
Stephen Charles Finken was born August 28, 1945 to Charles and Edna (Fromm) Finken, the oldest of ten children.
Steve graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Earling, Iowa and went on to attend college at Creighton University, graduating in 1968. Following college, he joined the United States Marine Corps to pursue a love for country and aviation. He served our country proudly from 1968 – 1973. Throughout his time in the Marine Corps, he flew several aircraft including the A-4 and C-130 in support of Vietnam War operations. After the Marine Corps, he continued his love for flying with Delta Airlines for 30 years.
Steve married Sharon Dotzler at St. Michael’s Church in July of 1968. They were blessed with three children; Greg (1975-1977), Julie and John. His hobbies included operating the Finken Family Tree Farm, flying, fishing, golfing, wood working, gardening, hiking, and back packing. He took his family on many adventures in his airplane traveling throughout the states. Steve found much happiness working on the farm and being with his family. Above all, he loved spending time with his special grandkids. Discipline and determination afforded him a wonderful life and instilled in his family many lifelong lessons.
Steve is survived by his wife, Sharon Finken of Harlan, IA; children Julie (Travis) Schmitz of Omaha, NE; John (Lindsey) Finken of Pella, IA; 7 grandchildren, Delaney, Grant, Claire, Ryan, Brooklyn, Reese, Ellie; siblings, Alan (Donnelle) Finken of Littleton, CO; Richard Finken of Harlan, Dave Finken of Omaha, NE; Jean (Alex) Pruitt of Spencer, IA; Joan (Jim) Henscheid of West Des Moines, IA; Pete (Kara) Finken of Simsbury, CT; sister-in-law Jackie Finken of Woodbridge, VA; sisters-in-law Patricia Dotzler, Los Angeles, CA; Pam (Mike) Jensen, Hot Springs Village, AR and brother-in-law Dick (Maryalyce) Dotzler, Harlan, IA, many other relatives and friends.
Steve is preceded in death by his son Greg; parents, Charles and Edna; and brothers John, Paul, and Mark.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/277953844/stephen-charles-finken