Fredrick W. Finkbiner

Fredrick W. Finkbiner, 88, passed away Friday at his home in rural Palestine after a short illness. Fred was born January 16, 1930 to Freda and Harry Finkbiner. Aside from the three years he served in the United States Army, Fred was a lifelong resident of LaMotte Prairie, and lived for 60 years with his wife Tancy (Cochran), on their farm north of Palestine. Fred and Tancy were married on May 31, 1955, and she survives. Their sons, Brad of Pinellas Park, FL, and Doug of Newton, IL, also survive. Fifty years ago this past spring, Fred became the first farmer in Crawford County to use a center-pivot irrigation system and for several years raised green beans and tomatoes commercially, as well as more traditional crops. He graduated from Hustonville High School in 1947. A strong believer in education, Fred served as president of the Hustonville school board in the 1970s, and later served on the board of the Lincoln Trail College Foundation. A life-long Methodist, he was a member of the Hustonville United Methodist Church and, most recently, the First United Methodist Church of Robinson. Fred and Tancy spent their winters in Clearwater, FL, and while there, attended St. Paul United Methodist Church in Largo. He is survived by his sister Norma Miller of Danville, IL, several nieces and nephews, and many kind neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Eva Bolding, William Finkbiner, Jane Plunkett, and Frank Finkbiner. After a private burial, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22nd at the First United Methodist Church of Robinson. Fred was a long-time member of the Oak Grove Cemetery board, and that is where his ashes will be interred. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Foundation, with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.