Vera Jane Finn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, in Silver Bay, Minnesota, with family and the caring, supportive staff of Carefree Living by her side. Pastor Calvin from Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

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 approximately six years, running a gas station while Don also attended school at St. Cloud State University, attaining his teaching degree. They moved to Longview, MN, with their three young children, where Don taught business classes and was the 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 was 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 asked for a recipe. Vera was also a member of the Women’s American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included sewing, crafting, gardening, tending to her beautiful flowers, and feeding birds, especially her 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

Continued on page A5 » Shanno (Cullen) Warren, Casey (Matt) Bronikowski, Jennifer (Brent) Stewart, and Kristopher (Katie) Strand; and 18 great-grandchildren and one sister, Shirley (Fred) Lange.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Minnie Kiphuth; husband, Michael (Debra) Finn and daughter Patricia (Bruce) Strand; grandchildren Leslie (Thomas) Easterling, Jacob (Sophie) Finn, Lieschen (Tim) Schoenert, Steina Sopoci, Jamie Finn, Alex (Hannah) Finn, 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 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 417 First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN.