Vera Jane Finn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peace-fully, with family and the caring and supportive staff of Carefree Living by her side on March 25, 2025 in Silver Bay, Minnesota. Pastor Calvin from Bethlehem Lutheran Church was also present.
One of ten children, Vera was born to Minnie and Louis Kiphuth on March 30, 1934 in Buffalo, MN. Having been raised on a farm, Vera developed a strong work ethic and carried this trait throughout her life. Outgoing and independent, Vera often drove by herself well into her 80s to Monticello, MN, for numerous family occasions. She also spent a good deal of her time driving her friends around when they were no longer able to drive themselves.
Vera married Donald on March 30, 1951 in Monticello, MN, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. They lived in Monticello for ap-proximately six years, running a gas station while Don also attended school at St. Cloud State University, attaining his teaching degree. They moved to Longville, MN, with their three young children where Don taught business classes and was also principal for a period of time. Their fourth child was born not long after moving to Longville. In 1961 Don accepted a teaching position in Grand Marais, MN, where they raised their family and immersed themselves in the community. Vera has been an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church since 1961. She was always making desserts for one function or another. She was so proud when her desserts were all eaten and she was being asked for the recipe. Vera was also a member of the Woman’s American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included sewing, crafting, gardening, tending to her beautiful flowers, and feeding the birds, especially her precious hummingbirds. She was a superb cook and baker and made the holidays most memorable. Don and Vera also made it a high priority to attend their grandchildren’s many activities not just in MN but also in many other states. Nothing was more important to Vera than her family.
Vera is survived by sons Douglas (Kathy) Finn and Michael (Debra) Finn and daughter Patricia (Bruce) Strand; grandchildren Leslie (Thomas) Easterling, Jacob (Sophie) Finn, Lieschen (Tim) Schoenert, Steina Sopoci, Jaimie Finn, Alex (Hannah) Finn, Shannon (Cullen) Warren, Casey (Matt) Bronikowski, Jennifer (Brent) Stewart, Kristopher (Katie) Strand, and Andrew (Simone) Strand; also survived by 18 great grandchildren and one sister, Shirley (Fred) Lange.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Minnie Kiphuth; husband, Donald Finn; daughter, Donna Finn; grandsons, Nicholas Finn, Matthew Gwash and Latham Sopoci; great-granddaughter Gracie Warren; brothers, infant Melvin Kiphuth, Lewis (Francis) Kiphuth, and Larry (Jo) Kiphuth; sisters Marjorie (Dewey) Elletson, Marion (Robert) Marsolek, infant Janette Kiphuth, Elaine (Richard) Nelson, and Judy (Gary) Holm.
A memorial service will be held on May 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 417 First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN.
