Obituary of Verla Elaine Finke

Verla Elaine Finke, age 94, passed away June 1, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Verla’s family will receive guests for visitation at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation (2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City) on Monday, June 5^th, from 10-11 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am at the funeral home. 

Verla was born August 18, 1928, in Volga Township, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Friedlein) Brandenburg.   Verla graduated from Guttenberg High School and Luther College.  Verla met Clyde Finke, while teaching school at Bellevue, and they married on May 30, 1949.  She went on to work numerous jobs throughout her career.  She worked as a school teacher, served as bookkeeper at Southeast Junior High & Glenbard West High School, as well as office supervisor at the UI Ticket Office. Verla loved to read all genres of books.  She enjoyed visiting friends and spending time with them.  Verla also enjoyed rooting for the Hawkeyes.  Most of all she loved her family and her Gloria Dei Lutheran church family.

Verla’s family include her children, Kevin (Jane) Finke, Vicki (Thomas) Fields, and Pamela (Brian Egel) Finke; grandchildren, John (Leah) Fields, Sarah (Pedro) Carvalho, Garrett Finke, and Andrea (Eben) Alguire; great grandchildren, Oliver Carvalho, Lucas Carvalho, Harper Alguire and Riley Alguire; and sister, Eunice (the late Tom) Christopherson.  Sadly, Verla is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Clyde; parents, Charles and Margaret; and brothers, Charles and Owen Brandenburg. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Verla’s family would like to thank the staff at Briarwood Health Care Center and Essence of Life Hospice for the wonderful care they provided her the past months.

Please continue to keep Verla’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.