Walter L. Finch, 54

Walter L. Finch, 54, of Herman, Minn., and Whitefish passed away at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minn., on Oct. 19, 2006.

Walt was born Dec. 23, 1951, in Eureka, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Finch. He lived and attended school in Eureka before beginning a career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in 1969.

Walt spent 34 years with the BNSF Railroad, and for the past two years he was employed by Railworks Track Systems in Lakeville, Minn.

Walt traveled extensively throughout his career and has many friends throughout the country.

He married Lisa Nielsen on Aug. 4, 2001, in Reno, Nev., and she survives him at the family home in Herman. He is survived by three sons, Greg Finch in Spokane, Eric Finch in White Sulfur Springs, and Adam Finch in Bozeman; and a stepson, Jesse Donahue, in Anchorage, Alaska; as well as two grandchildren, Alexia and Tristin Donahue, in Anchorage; brothers, Gary Finch of Eureka, and Alfred Finch of Lolo; and a sister, Liz Skranak, of Eureka; and by numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, with the Rev. John Bent officiating.

Local arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.