John Michael Finnegan, age 71, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on August 30, 2023, at Pine Ridge Assisted Living in Hudson, Wisconsin.

John was born on September 19, 1951, to parent’s William and Catherine (Thienes) in St. Paul, Minnesota.

After graduating from Murray High School in St. Paul, John had joined the U.S. Army Reserves.  Later, he earned his Boiler Engineering License and worked in the St. Paul School District until his retirement in 2010.

John married his loving wife, Jerri (Baird) at their home in Hugo, Minnesota on June 23, 1988. Together they joined families and were surrounded by the love of their five children.

John loved everything outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed camping and canoeing, spent hours in his vegetable garden and worked hard canning his produce.  John would help anyone with anything, especially his friends.  He cherished his time with family and friends and as a Green Bay Packer fan, he would have friendly quarrels with those who were his rival Vikings fans.  John loved all kinds of animals.  As a child, he grew up living next to Como Zoo and would help take the animals for a walk, including the lions and tigers!  However, his favorite animals were probably his faithful dogs through the years.

John is survived by his wife Jerri; children Kelly (Dan) Odegard, Brian (Jill) Brown, Jessie (Ryan) Peterson, Lisa (Peter) Keller, Michael (Anne) Finnegan; grandchildren Maddie and Jack Malmquist, Nora and Evie Brown, Olivia Odegard, Karina Keller; siblings Pat Finnegan, Tim Finnegan, Dan Finnegan, Colleen Kroona, Mary Madigan, Mike Finnegan; many nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Catherine Finnegan; grandchildren Owen and Oliver Odegard.

A party for John will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Mike and Anne Finnegan’s.  All are welcome.  Please contact family for details.

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.