Gerald “Jerry” Alvin Finke, 84, passed away on June 19, 2026, in Windsor, Colo.

Jerry was born on October 5, 1941, in Cook, Nebraska. He grew up in Cook and Syracuse, where his parents owned the International Harvester dealership, and graduated from Syracuse High School in 1959.

Later moving to Ogallala, Nebraska, Jerry met the love of his life, Darlene Shaw. The two were married on April 2, 1970, and eventually settled in North Platte, Nebraska, where they welcomed their daughter, Kirsten, on August 12, 1972.

Jerry dedicated much of his career to Northwestern Bell and AT&T before taking an entrepreneurial step to start his own business, where he worked successfully until his retirement.

Outside of work, Jerry’s true enjoyment was spending time at Lake McConaughy. He spent countless happy hours fishing, water skiing, and entertaining friends and family on the water.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Evelyn Finke, and his wife, Darlene.

He is survived by his daughter, Kirsten Bayne (Travis) of Windsor, Colorado.

Services will be Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. at the Lorton Lounge, 8 Cypress St, Lorton, NE. Memorial service Sept. 16, 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1901 W Leota St, North Platte.

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