Robert “Bob” Finsterwald

Robert “Bob” Finsterwald, 87, passed away April 6, 2015, after an extended illness. Robert passed peacefully surrounded by his two loving daughters and grandson. Robert was born on April 5, 1928, in Nelsonville, Ohio, to his parents, Charles Herbert Finsterwald and Mary Alice Kinkaid. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles “Chuck” Finsterwald; and wife, Mary Ann Finsterwald. He is survived by Charlotte Caudill of Saint Charles, Mo.: his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Wesley Finsterwald and Virginia Finsterwald; and his daughter, Susan Bloemer (and late son-in-law, Dr. Hubertus L. Bloemer); and six grandchildren, Lori Dodson of Saint Charles, Mo., Natalie Dodson of Saint Charles, Mo., Rex Joshua Maiden of Portsmouth, Ohio, Emily Finsterwald and fiancé Wes Filipow of Athens, Ohio, Julie and Byron Gonzalez of Concord, Calif., Rachel and Zac Chiki of Albany, Ohio; and great-grandchildren, Cameron Chiki and Jordan Gonzalez. Robert Finsterwald graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana where he was captain of the varsity football and baseball team. Upon graduation he entered the United States Army 21st Infantry regiment in Kumamoto, Japan. He was a corporal in charge of the rifle squad from 1946-1948. After proudly serving his county, Robert moved to Athens, Ohio, to enroll at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio majoring in physical education. He was employed at Linton industries for 21 years and then he was Athens City Code Enforcement Officer and later director for 21 years. He was a real estate broker and owner of Finsterwald Realty for 45 years. Best of all, Robert loved music and early in his career he began playing trumpet in a jazz band in Indianapolis. During his youth, Robert studied voice performance at the Jordan Conservatory School of Music in Indianapolis. Robert spent the majority of his retired life joyfully entertaining audiences with his music for which he had a great passion. Robert was an avid sportsman. He was a founding member as well an accomplished player of the Athens City Softball Association for over 50 years. Additionally, he served as a coach. He also spent is time officiating numerous high school and college football and basketball games throughout the region. He was a ranking member of the Southeastern Ohio Officials Association for 28 years. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He attended the First Baptist Church in Athens. A funeral was scheduled for April 11, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Warren-Brown Funeral Home, Nelsonville, Ohio with visiting hours on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Robert Finsterwald’s life. The family would like to thank the caregivers and hospice staff at Logan Health Care for their efforts and dedication. Robert Finsterwald enjoyed life to the fullest and will be sadly missed by all friends and family.

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