Virginia’s Obituary Virginia “Gini” Finger, long-time Beresford resident, passed away from a stroke in the loving care of her five children, extended family, friends and caregivers on November 19, 2018 at Touchmark at All Saints Senior Living Center in Sioux Falls. Gini was born Virginia Lorraine Hart on May 27, 1923 in Plainfield, NJ, to Raymond and Iva (Updegrave) Hart. Gini graduated from Plainfield High School in 1939, at the age of 16.
She worked full time while attending Union Junior College at night, earning an Associate Degree in business. During World War II, she worked as an executive secretary for General Aniline, a dye and chemical firm in the New York City area. In 1945, she met John Finger, a mechanical engineer with Ingersoll Rand.
They married in 1946 and had five children. She served as church secretary at the First Congregational Church in Plainfield and was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. In 1963, the family moved to Michigan City, IN.
She and John purchased Sioux Steam Cleaner Corporation in Beresford, SD, in 1966. The family owned and operated Sioux Steam for 51 years. As the corporate secretary-treasurer, Gini oversaw accounting, personnel, office management, sales and marketing.
She knew the company and products so well that she could staff an international trade show by herself. After John retired in 1992, she served as president until her own retirement in December 1996, at which time their son, Jack, headed the company. Renamed Sioux Corporation, it was recently sold to a key management team that includes Gini’s granddaughter, Meghan Andersen.
Gini is survived by her children, Steven Finger (Vickey) of Flagstaff, AZ, Christine Hart of Beresford, Jack Finger (Judye) of Beresford, Peter Finger of Sioux Falls, and Suzanne Ries (Tom) of Sioux Falls; eleven grandchildren, Ramsey Finger (Melita) of Madison, WI, Elizabeth Brucchieri (Scott) of Westlake, OH, Lori Sharp of Knoxville, TN, Nicholas Bucy (Leah) of Denver, CO, Daniel Bucy (Alana) of Davis, CA, Meghan Andersen (Tim) of Beresford, Stephanee Neshek (Pat) of Melbourne Beach, FL, Suzanne Marie Fox of Chaska, MN, Kyle Ries, Alex Ries and Micah Ries of Sioux Falls; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, and her two brothers, William and Robert Hart and Robert’s wife, Ethel Hart. Gini’s refreshing candor and quick wit are fondly remembered, as are the encouraging words she offered to others.
Coming from humble roots herself, she was interested in everyone’s story — from board members to store clerks. She was generous with her time, energy and money, supporting numerous charities, religious organizations, civic events and social causes, especially women’s rights. She and John sponsored the education of two Kenyan students at USD in the 1980s, after meeting their father on safari.
Gini was a member of the Beresford Congregational United Church of Christ and a student of Unity. She was also active in the Prairie Family Business Association, and numerous industry groups. Her varied interests included running, reading, walleye fishing, gardening, wild birds, bridge and other card games.
She regularly beat the pants off family members in TIC. One of Gini’s major passions was travel. By the end of her life, Gini had visited 45 countries, often with her grandchildren, whom she loved introducing to other cultures.
Gini lived an active, joyful and grateful life. She became a model of resilience and perseverance in the face of life’s ongoing challenges. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28 at the Beresford Congregational United Church of Christ, 109 N 5th Street, Beresford, SD.
Following the service, a reception to celebrate Gini’s life will be held in the church fellowship hall and will include food, drink and Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels. Memorial donations can be made to the Abbott House in Mitchell, SD or the Beresford United Fund.
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