Felix J. FINIAN, Saginaw, MI
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying your heavy loads,and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. Felix J. Finian passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2014, after battling cancer for more than 8 years. It was a battle he did not find courageous but one that he felt you just had to do. Felix was born November 30, 1936 on the farm in Wells Township to the late David and Frances Finian. He attended a one room school, White Star, through the 8th grade. He graduated from Caro High School Class of 1955 as valedictorian. He then graduated from North Eastern School of Commerce with a degree in Business Administration. He married Lois Brink on June 7, 1958 at the Akron United Methodist Church; she survives him. They shared 56 1/2 years of devotion to each other. They spent many restful times at The Farm enjoying the beauty of wildlife, trees, and birds. Together they planted an orchard and hundreds of trees as a gift to future generations. Felix was a Master Gardener. He had a strong work ethic. Felix joined the B.F. Goodrich Co. in September of 1959 and spent 44 years in retail, commercial and wholesale management. After he retired from B.F. Goodrich he put in 10 years at Scott Tire Sales and Tire Centers Inc. He then spent 10 summers with Saginaw County Mosquito Control Commission. Felix was a member of Ames United Methodist Church for 54 years. He taught Sunday Classes and volunteered at Chester Miller School with the 3rd graders until his illness. He played on the Ames Ambassador men’s softball team and coached the girl’s team in the 1st Friendship Games for 10 years. He attended many sports games that his grandchildren participated in at White Pine, Heritage, and Alma College. He will be dearly missed by his wife Lois; his daughter and son-in-law that he adored and counted on for help, Kerry Beth and Gary Thormeier; grandchildren, Whitney (Greg) Witkowski, Dr. Noah (Sarah) Thormeier, and Tyler Thormeier; great-grandchildren, Everett Lee, Eliza Belle, Phoebe Jean, and Cooper Felix. The family would like to thank Dr. Bartnik, Dr. Aditya Bulusu, and their staff for the care they provided to Felix. A memorial service took place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2014, at Ames United Methodist Church, 801 State St. Rev. Scott Lindenberg officiated. Friends visited with the family at church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family requests that those wishing to make a donation should plant a tree or donate a book in his memory.