Glenn Finck Jr.

Glenn Finck, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer.

Glenn was born on October 4, 1948, in Mandan, North Dakota, to Glenn Sr. and Monika (Boehm) Finck. He was raised in Mandan and graduated from Mandan High School in 1966.

On October 3, 1966, Glenn entered the United States Navy, where he served as an Electrical Repairman. He was stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Groton, Connecticut, and served aboard the USS Tigrone. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His time in the Navy took him around the world, exposing him to new cultures and unforgettable experiences—among them, Sydney, Australia, which he often described as the most beautiful city he had ever seen. Glenn was honorably discharged from active duty on October 3, 1969, and continued serving in the Naval Reserve until June 7, 1972.

On December 26, 1970, Glenn married the love of his life, Gloria (Udell). Together, they built a life centered on family, raising three children—Bob, Mary, and Glenn III “Gipper.” Their weekends were often spent camping and fishing, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Glenn had a successful career with the telephone company, Qwest Communications, where he retired as a Second Level Engineer. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. For 14 summers, through the 2025 season, Glenn served as a Park Ranger at Graner Park in Mandan—a role that perfectly reflected his dependable, service-oriented nature. He took great pride in the campground and truly cared about every person who passed through it. With his warm smile, humor, and kind heart, Glenn had a special way of making everyone feel welcome.

He also proudly served for many years as a member of the Honor Guard, participating in military burial services at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

For the past 16 winters, Glenn and Gloria made their home in Mesa, Arizona, at the Fountain of the Sun community—a place Glenn embraced as a true neighborhood. There, he remained active and engaged, serving as President of the Pickleball Club, a board member for several years, and Vice President of the Bocce Ball Club. He found great joy in playing, teaching newcomers, and fostering a strong sense of community. His service extended beyond recreation, as he was also active in the Veterans Group, Citizens Service Club, Lions Club Fly the Flag Program, and more.

Whether at Graner Park or in Mesa, Glenn was easy to spot in his signature chartreuse wardrobe—just one of the many ways he left a lasting impression.

Throughout his life, Glenn enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, playing and coaching softball, pickleball, bocce ball, and, most of all, spending time with friends and family. His greatest joy was his wife of 55 years, Gloria, along with their children, grandchildren, and beloved dogs.

Glenn faced his nearly 10-year battle with cancer with unwavering strength and optimism. He never complained, enduring treatments with quiet resilience. He was truly a warrior and a hero to those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Monika Finck; infant brother, John Thomas Finck; father- and mother-in-law, Art and Mary Udell; and his brother-in-law, Ed Mahoney.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Finck; three children, Bob Finck, Mary (Shawn) Cooper, and Glenn “Gipper” Finck III; five grandchildren, Brodee Finck, Josh (Lexus) Cooper, Madison Cooper, Elise Dodds, and Amara Dodds; his siblings, Elmer (LaVonne) Finck, his twin sister Gladys Mahoney, Julia (Don) Burgess, John (Theresa) Finck, and Pete (Nancy) Finck.

In accordance with Glenn’s wishes, no formal funeral will be held. Instead, a Celebration of Life will take place in each of his hometowns.

A remembrance and celebration of Glenn’s life will be held on Sunday, March 22, at 10 AM at the Fountain of the Sun Community in Mesa, Arizona at the Bocce Ball Courts - West Maxi Park.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota, within the next couple of weeks with the date and time to be determined soon. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the Mandan Moose Club for fellowship and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Glenn’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org or by mail to 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.