William Eric “Bill” Finnegan , 58, of Surprise, AZ and formerly of West Des Moines, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on August 15, 2023. He had suffered from the complications of diabetes for several years.

Bill was born in Elgin, IL on February 15, 1965 to William Ellsworth and Judith (Verhey) Finnegan. His lifelong passions included singing and playing the guitar, reading, and cheering for the Chicago White Sox and Bears. He was a lover of music and sang in several choirs throughout his lifetime, but reserved his best singing for the car and the shower. He was active on several trivia teams as an adult, providing support in the sports and pop music categories. His knowledge of sports statistics was impressive. He was known for his punny sense of humor, and could come up with a quip on the spot for any situation. His brain was always working, which sometimes backfired against you when he pulled off a practical joke.

Most of his life he worked in the IT field, rising to the rank of a supervisor, until his health issues forced his retirement.

Bill’s tenacity in the face of trials was unparalleled. He took major health setbacks with grace, inspiring those around him with his strong faith and persistence. He was determined to live life to its fullest each and every day, and probably squeezed more joy out of his shortened life than most of us can hope to, no matter how long we are given on this earth.

Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Margie of Surprise, AZ; his mother Judith Verhey Finnegan of Genoa, IL; sisters Cathy Finnegan Wylde of Genoa, IL and Donna Finnegan Petruchuis (Rick) of Genoa, IL; nieces Lauren L’Huillier (Derek)of Grand Haven, MI, Kate Holcomb (Brent) of Genoa, IL, Payton Petruchuis of Genoa, IL; nephew Derrick Petruchuis of Genoa, IL; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. His many friends will celebrate how he changed their lives, even as they grieve his absence. He was preceded in death by his father William Ellsworth Finnegan and his nephew Brett Kaubasiak.

Services will be held remotely on Zoom on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10 AM Phoenix Time (12 PM Central Time) and are open to all Bill’s family and friends. Please contact the family for the link.

Memorial donations can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in honor of Bill’s love for all of God’s creatures.

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