Robert Dale Finholdt, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away March 30, 2011, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born on Jan. 8, 1936, to Mary Diekema Finholdt and Rolland Finholdt in Austin. Robert attended Austin Public Schools before entering the Army at the of age 17. He was a paratrooper and patriot who served in the Korean War. After his time in service, he returned to Austin where he worked in construction. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Beverly Ilene Stoltz Finholdt. He enjoyed working with the guys at Mower County Highway Department until his retirement. After an injury in 1997, he resided at St. Marks Nursing home. With love and care, many visits, and vigil attention from his wife and daughters, as well as, the outstanding care he received from Dr. Julie Olson, he lived there for almost 14 years. Like a champion, he fought on when most would have given up. At last the Lord took him home to walk again with his loved ones. Robert was a member of Crane Community Chapel. He was known for his impeccable work ethic and willingness to help others. His passion for motorcycles, boxing, fishing and the outdoors brought him great joy, but his greatest joy was his grandchildren.

Survivors include wife, Beverly Stoltz Finholdt; daughters, Jodie (Douglas) Mauer of Austin and granddaughter, Jessica (Anthony) Thoma; grandsons, Max (Suzanne) Mauer, and Jebediah Mauer; Annette (Mark) Wytaske of Austin and granddaughter, Chelssy Wytaske; Carrie (Rick) Hanko and grandson, Chase of Austin; Amy Finholdt (Jim) Byers; granddaughter, Skylar and grandson, Zachary of Austin; children from a previous marriage, daughters, Jill Lasanta of Pembroke, N.C.; granddaughter, Sophia; grandsons, Jerimiah and Hosea; Carol (Stanford) Locklear of Pembroke; granddaughters, Carolyn Allie, Ashley Locklear; grandson, Rico Allie; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Zane, Stella Thoma, Avery Mauer, and Isaiah Locklear; three Aunts; six siblings; many nieces nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Mary Finholdt; brother, Ronald Finholdt; sister, Joyce Prehn; son, Michael Dale Finholdt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 2, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with The Reverand Colleen Hoeft officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.