James E. Finn

James “Jim” E. Finn, 75, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, January 4, 2021, with his family by his side. He was born on December 30, 1945 in La Crosse to William and Catherine (Murphy) Finn.  Jim was a life-long resident of La Crosse. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1964.  He then attended UW-La Crosse, graduating in 1969 with a B.A. in History and Political Science and in 1970 with a Masters in College Student Personnel.  He married Donna McClary on May 29, 1971 at Roncalli Newman Center in La Crosse. Together they purchased a home they loved and shared for 42 years on Main Street. He started his career in Admissions at Viterbo University for six years, the last two of which he was Director of Financial Aid. In late 1976, he became Associate Director of Student Financial Aid at UW-La Crosse. He then became Director of Student Financial Aid at UWL in 2000 and retired in 2005.  He enjoyed reading, camping, crossword puzzles, summer vacations every year with his family, and traveling extensively with Donna in the United States, Canada and Ireland.  After retiring they wintered the months of January and February each year in Punta Gorda, FL. Together they were very active in the Shamrock Club of La Crosse, and he was La Crosse Irish Man of the Year in 1997. Jim was also an avid beer sign collector, stamp collector and enjoyed golfing a few times a week, having scored two holes-in-one over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Donna, one daughter Bridget (Tim) Haverland of La Crosse, one son Colin (Kristy) Finn of Mondovi, WI, seven grandchildren Ellie, Quade, Cole, Autumn, Kylie, Jake and Satchel, along with five nieces Mary, Ana, Kate, Christina, Pam and one nephew Will. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother William Finn, a sister Mary Tolentino and two nephews Ted and Greg.

The family would also like to thank hospice and the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System, especially nurse Keith and Dr. Sallaway whom guided us in bringing Jim home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13 ^th St., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Schumacher -Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse on Tuesday from 4-6 PM and again at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Facial coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Viterbo University or UW-La Crosse.