Anna Emelia Finger, 79, of Dodge Center, died Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester following a lengthy hospital stay.
She was born November 26, 1939 in Steele County, Minnesota the daughter of Anton and Alma (Schwenke) Ripka. She grew up on a farm west of Dodge Center. She graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1957. Following graduation, she worked as a waitress at the café in Dodge Center.
On April 21, 1961, she married Richard Finger in Kasson. The couple made their home in Dodge Center where they raised their family. Along with being a homemaker, Anna worked for 25 years at Telex where she was involved with the union serving as its president, secretary and first aid coordinator. Many people in the area will remember Anna as their Watkins sales representative for over 52 years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kasson where she faithfully sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Happy Homemakers Club.
Anna enjoyed music, playing cards, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, cooking, embroidery and cross stich. She also enjoyed teaching and playing baseball with her children as they grew up. She especially loved and enjoyed her grandchildren.
She is survived by children, Kimberly (and David) Learmann of Welch, Christine (and Eric) Eggert of Stewartville, Richard (and Sheryl) Finger of Kasson, Irene (and William) Anderson of Eyota, Rickhard (Samantha Olson) Finger of Owatonna; siblings, Arthur (and Mary) Ripka of Shieldsville, Leo Ripka (and friend, Elaine) of Waseca, Gladys Mulari of Owatonna, Henry Ripka (and friend, Sandi) of Owatonna, Evelyn (and Ron) Neubauer of Freeborn, Shirley Ripka (and friend, Lou) of Owatonna, Margaret (and Mike) Lerfald of Kenyon, Loretta (and David) Wencl of Owatonna and Lorraine Ripka of Owatonna; 13 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, arb Ripka of Owatonna and Sandra Finger of Joliet, IL; brother-in-law, Sam Weeks of Wasioja and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Alma; husband, Richard Finger; siblings, Lawrence Ripka, Joyce Weeks and Robert Ripka; nephew, Brian Ripka and sister-in-law, Marilyn Ripka.