Bennie Baker Finnicum
Bennie Baker Finnicum, 91, died Oct. 15, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Healthcare Center in Billings.
He was born on March 8, 1933, to Frances (Harkins) and Ross Finnicum in Clinton, Iowa. He moved to Andes community, Richland County at the age of three months. He attended school at Andes School until the third grade and Mona School until Christmas of seventh grade when he then stayed home to help on the farm while his brother was deployed.
In 1951, he met Anne Ochs. They dated for two years before getting married in the courthouse in Sidney on Aug. 22, 1953. They made their home on the family farm seven miles west of Andes. It was the beginning of a long and happy life, raising their five children and then enjoying the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He enjoyed feeding the cows in the winter and tinkering in the shop. He was always happy to help the neighbors. His favorite time was harvest. He was a strong and quiet man and had a passion for local history. He enjoyed roller skating and ice skating in his younger years. His eyes sparkled when he was happy or mischievous.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; stepfather, Marinus Jorgensen; siblings, Ross Finnicum, Frances Finnicum, Betty Steffans and Elvin Finnicum; and infant granddaughter, Mandalee.
He is survived by his children, Benny Finnicum, Teresa Mattison, Judy Finnicum, Doug Finnicum and Bob Finnicum; brother, Lorin Finnicum; 14 grandchildren; and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Christian Burial was held Monday, Oct. 21, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Sidney with Father Jim O’Neil presiding and Deacon Mitch Anderson officiating. Burial will be at the Finnicum Family Cemetery near Culbertson.
