Robert A. Finnell

Obituary

Robert “Bob” Allan Finnell was born on January 29, 1947, in Tracy, Minnesota. He was the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Andrews) Finnell. Bob was baptized as an infant at Presbyterian Church in Tracy. He grew up on many farms around Marshall, Minnesota and enjoyed farm life. Bob was a graduate of the Ruthton High School Class of 1965.

Shortly after high school, Bob answered the call to serve his country. He entered active duty in the United States Air Force on August 31, 1965, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During his service, Bob was stationed in Puerto Rico. He was honorably discharged on October 14, 1968, at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, having achieved the rank of Sergeant. His time in the military remained a proud and formative chapter in his life.

On July 6, 1974, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marlene Fecker, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart, Minnesota. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. They were blessed with two children, Ryan and Kristi, who were—and always remained—the center of Bob’s world. The couple made their home in Stewart, later moving to the Fecker family farm south of Buffalo Lake in 2003, before eventually settling in Hutchinson. Bob and Marlene shared 51 wonderful years of marriage, their bond growing stronger with each passing year.

Over the course of his life, Bob wore many hats and worked with great dedication. He was employed at the Stewart Elevator and also drove semi-trucks for several years. He later worked as a welder at Glencoe Manufacturing for 13 years before joining Hutchinson Technology Inc., where he remained for 23 years until his retirement in 2009. Always ready to serve, Bob was also a first responder in both Stewart and at HTI. He was a proud member of the Stewart Fire Department for 23 years and served his community as a Stewart City Councilman for 8 years.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children, whether coaching softball, cheering from the sidelines at ice-skating events, or supporting their 4-H endeavors. He had a love for the outdoors and spent countless hours planting trees, growing enormous pumpkins, building birdhouses, and crafting with wood. He enjoyed time at the camper, a good western book, and long coffee conversations with friends in Stewart and Buffalo Lake. Bob and Marlene especially treasured their Florida vacations—peaceful moments by the ocean and walks along the beach were among his favorites.

In later years, Bob faced health challenges with quiet strength and grace. He lived courageously with chronic leukemia for many years and, in 2019, overcame a difficult battle with acute leukemia. Through it all, he remained upbeat, resilient, and deeply grateful for the extra time he was given to enjoy his family and friends.
Bob will be remembered for his humble heart, warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the memories he made, the lives he touched, and the values he passed down.

Bob passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Glencoe Regional Health in Glencoe, Minnesota, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 78 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Bob is survived by his:
Wife, Marlene Finnell of Hutchinson, MN;
Son, Ryan Finnell and his wife, Heather of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughter, Kristi Lentz of Cologne, MN;
Grandchildren, Skylyn, Tuker, Maverick, Callie, and Mabel Finnell, Brody and Logan Lentz;
Brothers, Arthur Finnell of Minneapolis, MN,
Donald Finnell and his wife, Judy of Lennox, SD;
Sisters, Kathy Boots of Minneapolis, MN,
Barb Finnell of Minneapolis, MN,
Nina Finnell of Mankato, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Karol Robertson and her husband, Alan of Calhoun, GA;
Many Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his Parents, Lawrence and Ruth Finnell; Sister, Linda Finnell; Father- and Mother-in-law, Walter and Bernice Fecker.