Richard Finkbiner, age 79, was born Sept 18, 1944 in Fremont, Michigan to Leon M and Mary (Johnson) Finkbiner. As a young man, he enlisted into the United States Army and was stationed in Mannheim-Kafertal, Germany where he met and married the former “Army brat”, Patricia Suzuki, to whom he stayed wed for 59 years. They settled back in the state of Michigan for 13 years after his discharge from the military.
Richard was a man of many talents, a former truck driver, a mechanic, car salesman, and a lover of all things mechanical. He moved from Michigan to Alameda, California where he lived for 37 years before retiring in Valley Springs, California.
Richard’s grandchildren have fond memories of his colorful language on the highway while critiquing the other drivers. After many years, its recollection always brought out laughter at the outrageousness of it. They loved their grandpa and he loved them back. Richard will be dearly missed by all.
Richard leaves behind his wife Patricia Finkbiner, daughter Lisa Hawkey of Nampa, Idaho and son David Finkbiner of Valley Springs, California, and six grandchildren; William Hawkey, Brian Hawkey, Paige Hawkey, Jessica (Bill) Edgington, Jonathan Finkbiner, Jacqueline Finkbiner; two great grandsons, Gabriel Edgington and Cole Edgington; sister Kathryn du Chemin of Fremont, Michigan; brother Robert Louck of Newaygo, Michigan and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris A Titler and Mary J Gilleo and his brother, L Charles Finkbiner.
Military Honors will be held at Croton Township on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. A time of fellowship will be held following the graveside services. Interment will take place in the Croton Township Cemetery next to other family members who preceded him following his wishes for cremation. Local arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800
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