Helen Finney, 93, of Waterloo, died Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Cedar Falls Health Care Center. She was born October 31, 1932, in Kinney, MN, daughter of Walter and Fannie (Hannala) Hakala. She graduated from Grand Rapids, Mn High School in 1951.
On August 23, 1951, Helen married Emery Wayne Finney in Cohasset, MN. He died September 14, 2018.
Helen’s employment included working in the Black Hawk Court House Snack Bar, as a bookkeeper for 13 years at Scheels, 7 years as deli supervisor at Kimball Ridge Grocery Store, and in the HyVee deli for 2 years. In 1985 she went to work for Waterloo Walmart at the register and snack bar, retiring in 2007.
She was a member or River’s Edge Christian Church where she had been a Sunday School teacher and choir member. Helen enjoyed years of tent camping with her family, crocheting and giving away afghans, making flower arrangements, and other crafts.
She is survived by her children: Gary Finney of Cedar Rapids, Lonny Finney of Waterloo, Lindy (Bill) Crinigan of Evansdale, and Blair (Cindy) Finney of Waterloo; her brothers Roy and Bob Hakala; numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her son Hal Finney, granddaughter Holly Paradine, sister Evelyn Sundstrom, and brother Bill Hakala.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 1:30 PM at River’s Edge Community Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.