Roland Eugene Finley, 87, of Austin, died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at Fieldcrest Health Care Center in Hayfield, Minn.

He was born May 25, 1924, to Everette and Ruth (Fossum) Finley in Hayfield, where he grew up. After graduating from Hayfield High School in 1943, Roland enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for 2.5 years. He fought in the Pacific until he was wounded and returned home. On June 30, 1947, he married Eleanor Peters in Dodge Center, Minn. They made their home in Hayfield for four years before moving to Austin, where they lived together for 56 years. Roland was a longtime employee of the Hormel Company, working in various departments. He transferred to the hog kill, where he stayed until he retired in 1981.

A member of the Lutheran faith, Roland belonged to many camping clubs and spent a lot of his time making things and finding bargains. He was truly creative. His family and friends were very important to him.

Survivors include his daughters, Cheryl (David) Lawrence of Rason, W.V., and Gwen (Eric) Scheibe of New Brighton, Minn.; three grandchildren, Todd Lawrence of Little Falls, Randy (Amanda) Thilgen of Lakeville, Jamie (Lucas) Schulz of Fredonia, Wis.; two great-grandsons, Colton Thilgen and Adam Schulz; brother, Dallas Finley of Hayfield; a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Ruth; his wife of 60 years, Eleanor; one son, Gary; one grandson, Troy.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield with Rev. Paul Hauschild and Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield with flag presentation by the American Legion Post 91. Memorials are preferred to recipient of donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.