Kenneth C. Finzer

Kenneth C. Finzer, age 90, of New Philadelphia went to be with the Lord while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House on January 15, 2023, following a period of declining health.

He was born August 12, 1932 to the late Donald and Esther (Troyer) Finzer in Sugarcreek Township.

After graduating from Sugarcreek- Shanesville High School in 1951, he joined the Air Force and served over 20 years, most of the time as a B-52 Tail Radar Gunner.  Ken was awarded three Air Medals for meritorious achievement in aerial flight in South East Asia.  He retired as a Master Sergeant in October 1972 and returned to Tuscarawas County and became a full-time student at Kent State University Tuscarawas, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  He taught at Dundee Elementary and substituted in the county schools.

Ken met his wife Carole Thomas Finzer at the Swiss Festival in 1966, and they danced the night away to that great polka music. He has continued to go in Swiss costume along with his family to the present day.  He is often asked by Joey Tomsick Band to sing Edelweiss in German and entertained with his banjo at his 90th birthday party.

He has been a member of Broadway Global Methodist Church for 50 years, was a member of the Wesleyan Choir from 1984-2015, and the Friendship Class.

Ken loved music and started out playing the Hawaiian steel guitar with The Finzer Family Band in 1947.  He continued to play while in the Air Force and in 1981 joined “The Retreads,” playing at nursing homes and retirement centers, festivals, senior centers, and entertained at First Town Days for 19 years.  Once a month he played his banjo at Walnut Hills Retirement Center with his pianist Winnie Huprich until 2015.  Ken loved entertaining by doing Singing Valentines for New Philadelphia High School for many years.

He enjoyed helping out with the Boy Scouts and served as Scouting Coordinator and Committee Member from 1984-2013, and Unit Commissioner of Troop 84 from 1999-2014. Ken loved to visit with people and never met a stranger. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1445.  He enjoyed working on cars, dancing, and watching old westerns and classics, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Browns on TV.

Ken and Carole who were married for 55 years loved to travel and took many bus tours to New York City, Texas, Nova Scotia, Lancaster PA, Wisconsin, Thousand Islands, Branson MO, and Alaska.  He loved the Little Theater and was part of the cast in “Annie”, “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” and “Molly’s Follies.”

Family get-togethers and reunions were important to Ken, and all holidays and birthdays were a celebration for immediate and extended family. He especially enjoyed attending musical programs and sports events for his grandchildren.

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife Carole, his son Greg (Leyla) Finzer of Columbus OH, daughter Deb (Brian) Walker of New Phila., OH, and grandchildren Crystal, Jasmine, and Samuel Finzer of Columbus, Nathan, Daniel, and Samantha Walker of New Phila., his sisters Margie (Larry) Kaser of Strasburg, and Shirley Schlabach of North Canton, along with many cousins and nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harold Finzer, and an infant daughter Hope Marie.

The family will greet guests in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 5 – 7 PM.  An additional visitation will take place on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 10-11 AM at the Broadway Global Methodist Church in New Philadelphia.  A celebration of Ken’s life will be led by Pastor Harley Wheeler at 11:00 AM.  Burial with military honors will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia.  A meal and fellowship will follow in the church social hall following the services.

Memorial contributions in Ken’s name may be directed to Broadway Global Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.