Frank J. Finklang, Lt. Col USAF Retired, Born April 30,1924, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024. Visitation will be held on Sunday December 29, 2024, from 3:00-7:00PM at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd 63123. A funeral mass will be held at St. Cronan Catholic Church, 1202 S. Boyle Ave, 63110 on Monday December 30, 2024, at 10:30AM with internment at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, 63125 to follow.
Frank was the loving husband of the late Alpha G Finklang (nee O’Brien) for 56 years. Dear father of Kathleen (Paul) Bayless, Christine Diekman, Michael (Marge) Finklang, Karen Finklang, Mary (Clark) Zumwalt and Frank (Anita) Finklang. Grandfather of Alyssa, John, Nate, Claire, Lori, Michael, Mathew, Zach, Sara, Jacob, Dillon, Eve, Josh and Leah and great grandfather to Grace, Ryan, Ellie, Ray, Veronica, Tilly, Charlotte, Lynn, Scarlet, Evelyn and Isla. Son of Isabelle (nee Pfender) Finklang and Frank G Finklang, he grew up in St. Louis, the oldest of five siblings, with John (Jack) Finklang (deceased), Tom Finklang (deceased), Catherine (Bader) and Bob Finklang. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many, Frank will be lovingly remembered in story and song as a person of integrity, who “walked the talk,” true to his principles and values.
Frank’s life reflected his deep Catholic faith and devotion to Padre Pio whose motto “Hope, Pray and Don’t Worry” were words he lived by. He attended St. Matthews Grade School, Beaumont High School, and later in life, Tarkio College, proudly earning a bachelor’s degree in business while working and raising a family. Frank enlisted in the Army Air Corp at the age of 19, and served with the USAAF during WWII as a bombardier/navigator crew member on B-17 bombers in Italy with the 419th Bombardment Squadron, 301st Bombardment Group, for 23 missions. Frank was recalled during the Korean War, serving as an instructor, and the Berlin Wall Confrontation, coordinating food and supply lifts from Paris while corresponding daily via air mail with Alpha for a year. Known as a “savor” and recycler, those bundled letters were a source of comfort and endearment, when Frank felt alone, having outlived his spouse and most of his friends. Frank was a lifetime member of the Eagle Scout Association, crediting scouting as a foundational influence while growing up during the Depression, and the Military Officers Association, having served both active duty and in the Air Force reserves. He retired from the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center after 31 years of service.
Frank and Alpha were life-long learners who enjoyed meeting people, traveling, and serving the community. For over 20 years they participated in the Senior Olympics, volunteered at the Fox Theater and Missouri Historical Society, and traveled with Friendship Force and Elderhostel, making friends all over the world. Frank and Alpha were active members of St. William’s Parish, volunteers for church and school functions, and made lasting friendships with close-knit neighbors, referred to as “the family circle.” Frank lived and raised his family at 9230 Macon, where he continued to live for over 50 years. When St. William closed, he continued to drive to daily mass at Holy Trinity, and when that closed, to Presentation Church, before moving at the age of 98 to Friendship Village.
Frank enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, travel, sailing, music, singing, and golf. Ever the adventurer, he was willing to try new pursuits. For example, at the age of 98, he discovered a talent for painting! An animated storyteller, he published several WWII stories in the 301st bomb group newsletter The Raven, which he served as President. One of Frank’s stories, “A Milk Run Turned Sour” appears as a chapter in the book, The Young Ones, by Eric Dyreborg. Frank’s stories from WWII are now archived in an interview at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans (www.ww2online.org/view/frank-finklang). He was later interviewed and featured in the Portraits of Honor Project (PortraitsofHonor.com). Frank’s philosophy of life can best be summed up by how he vacated a campsite, as family vacations consisted of tent camping in Missouri State Parks. We were instructed to “leave it better than we found it”. This entailed picking up trash and leaving firewood stacked for the next campers to follow. Frank certainly left this world better than in he found it. His legacy lives on thru all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society Hauling Ministry in care of St. Cronan Catholic Church, 1202 South Boyle Ave., St. Louis MO 63110. Frank requests whoever reads this to “give a big HUG today to someone they love”.
My favorite memory of Frank is listening and singing along to Irish songs during the St Louis St Patrick’s Day Parade.
It’s been an honor and privilege to know Frank . Safe travels sir, into the next realm..
Mike, Leslie and I are sending prayers for your Dad And your family.
WOW, What a full life ! Very sad for your loss, many prayers for the family ! I remember being at your house on Macon when we were in Grade school, and your dad came home in uniform ! I was amazed ! How great to have had him for so long ! I can only imagine what a great influence he was on all the Grand children ! God Bless you guys !
What a wonderful life well lived! So sorry for your loss. Hugs given!
To the entire Finklang family,
Many lives have been blessed by being a part of your extended St. William family.
Your dad was such an inspiration to so many as we were honored to celebrate the gift of daily Mass and Holy Communion.
We have great memories of Frank enjoying breakfast with us and sitting on the patio as we listened to his amazing stories of his military service and meeting St. Padre Pio.
Frank and Alpha’s life has truly made all of us better fathers, mothers and friends.
It’s hard to say goodbye, but we know we will merrily meet in Heaven, and we hope you’ll coordinate the welcoming party!
With all of our love and prayers,
Susan (Cullen) & Paul Nanney
Rest in peace Frank. You fought the Good Fight and lived a great life. You were a great shining example for all of us.
It’s like a mountain has suddenly disappeared. The mountain has always been there, all your life, strong, tall, solid, majestic, full of life. And then one day, it’s gone, and you wonder how anything could ever replace it, knowing nothing ever will. Thank you, Uncle Frank, for setting the tone for this big, raucous, joyful, fun Finklang family I’m so grateful to be a part of. Peace be upon you.
Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers, love
It was an honor to have known him. He was a friend of my husband, Rod Stecher, and we all worked at The Defense Mapping Agrncy.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire family. 🙏🏼
Sir,
I want you to know that I got to know you through conversations with your daughter Kathleen. Her face lid up when she spoke of you. She was very proud of you as her Dad and hero. I’m sure you will be greatly missed by Kathleen, but she will always have your memories and love to hold on to forever. RIP
Kathleen, prayers for you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing about your dad with me as we have hung out together. He definitely lived a full life.
Sorry we can’t be there for the final flight but our thoughts and condolences will
Chris and Kathy and family-
How lucky to have your dad for a hundred years! I’m sure he is happily home in
God’s arms, surrounded by your mom and their many friends and family. Know you are in my prayers for comfort and peace.
❤️
Frank was a member of the Eagle Scouts Association of STL where our paths crossed. I remember Franks and his military attitude. Its been a while since we
have seen each other but we had many of good times together.
If I could live to be 100 like Frank, it would be a miracle. I am only 20 years behind him but will never catch up. Just to stay healthy is a big plus.
Please accept my deepest sympathy to the entire family.
After surviving Alpha, the love of his life, and after outliving so many dear to him, Frank sometimes wondered why he was still here, what his purpose was in living so long. In a way the question – which applies to each of us – was a prayer to God. The answer to me was right there: the example he gave to us in the way he lived his greater-than-life life.
May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide you all the way home!
I never got to meet Mr. Finklang, but from what I read and in the stories Chris has told me, he sounded like such a wonderful man.
In fact, I would call him a Renaissance man with deep faith. He lived a beautiful life and raised a beautiful family. What more could one ask for? May he rest in peace with the dear Lord.
Growing up across the street from the Finklangs and then moving back to the street after 40years to find myslef living next door to Mr. Finklang was always a blessing. Talking over the fence when ever outside at the same time was always an adventure for me when Mr. Finklanf would tell me some of his war stories. I began to look for him each and every time I went outside just to hear another. Soon my son was just as addicted to his stories and always look forward to hearing them as well. My son is a huge history buff and having Mr.Finklang right next door was the highlight of my sons days. My favorite memory was when I had Mr. Finklang over for Thanksgiving with my my family a few years ago. He was very quiet all through dinner and I was concerned he didn’t care for the food, but as it turned out after his meal was completed we all sat at the table for over 2 hours just listening to him tell his lofe stories. I will treasure this memory forever, as will my family. He has been missed these past 2 years after he went to live at Friendship Village, he was the perfect neighbor and I was very blessed to have have known him. This world has lost a great man, but his memory lives on forever.
My Father, then 2nd LT Walt Couser, was a Fort bombardier with the 301st BG 32nd Sqn 15th AAF out of Foggia, Italy. He and Mother attended many reunions over the years. I send my condolences and deep respects to Frank’s Family as the daughter of an Airman, a fellow 301st bombardier and comrade in arms. All those young men were American Heroes and our Nation owes men like my Father and Frank a debt that can never be repaid. Thank you doesn’t seem near enough. But we honor these men.
Fair winds and clear skies, Frank. The ship is yours now. 🛩🕊
I met Frank Finklang a few times but on one particular occasion I was able to have a couple of lengthy conversations with him. His daughter Karen was having a dinner gathering at her house in Shrewsbury and it was convenient for me to give Frank a ride to and from Karen’s house. We talked about a lot of things which of course I can’t remember now but it made for a very enjoyable time.