Paul W. Finch

Paul W. Finch passed peacefully at Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois on April 2, 2026 at the age of 82. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 43 years, Carolyn Finch (nee Westfall; 70 years old), his daughter, Katie Finch (40 years old), his brother, Dennis Finch (87 years old), as well as his in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Paul was born to June and Edward Finch on November 1, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent his earliest years residing there near his grandparents with his brother Dennis before his parents moved the family down to Lake Bluff, Illinois. Paul had fond memories of growing up in the bucolic Chicago suburb located on the shores of Lake Michigan. He spent his teenage summers working at a local hog farm and riding his motorized scooter along the tree-lined streets. He graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1961, where he enjoyed competing on the men’s wrestling team. He completed his education earning a B.A. from Southern Illinois University in biology. Paul’s love of flora and fauna inspired him to start his own landscaping business, Paul Finch Landscapes and Lawns. He enjoyed creating beautiful gardens and maintaining properties for friends and local homeowners. He especially enjoyed being his own boss and spending time outdoors. Paul served as a machinist mate petty officer in the Naval Reserves for 27 years. During those years, Paul worked in the engine rooms of cruiser vessels and later taught propulsion engineering at Great Lakes Naval Base. He was mechanically minded and enjoyed tinkering on his motorcycles and the small sailboat he later purchased. Paul was a devoted member of St. Lawrence Epsicopal Church in Libertyville, serving the church first as a Warden of the vestry and later as a manager of the buildings and grounds. He was grateful for this community and enjoyed his role in supporting the parish. He could often be found cooking at church fundraising dinners or volunteering at a local homeless shelter site. Later in life, Paul enjoyed his retirement dream, owning a home in Door County, Wisconsin. He and Carolyn purchased their second home in Ellison Bay in 2001. They later spent three years as full-time residents from 2020- 2023, then split their time between Door County and their Vernon Hills, Illinois residence during the last few years. Services to honor Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church Street, Libertyville, IL 60048. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Lawrence Episcopal Church or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. For information about the services or any memorial contribution, please feel free to call (847) 362-3009. Please also feel free to share a memory at www.burnettdane.com

Paul W. Finch

November 1, 1943 - April 2, 2026