Verle Dwight Finke was born on November 1, 1954, near Garland, Nebraska to Herman Johannes Frederich and Hilda Helena (Wellmann) Finke and passed away on June 19, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 65 years, 7 months and 18 days. Verle was baptized on November 19, 1954 and confirmed on May 4, 1969, at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln.

Verle grew up in Lincoln where he attended school and graduated from Lincoln East High School with the Class of 1973.  He then attended UNL where he received his bachelor's degree from the School of Journalism. Verle was united in marriage to Jean Landgren on November 15, 1976, and she and their infant daughter, Melissa, passed away on January 25, 1988.

Verle began working at NET shortly after graduation in television production. He held this position for 40 years. On October 28, 1995, he was united in marriage to Kathy Lynn Christensen at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln. To this union two children were born, a daughter, Taylor and son, Josh. The couple made their home southwest of Malcolm. Verle loved to fly his hot air balloon named Skydreamer and traveling which included two trips to New Zealand, China, Japan and the British Islands. He also enjoyed reading science fiction, woodworking and working on many projects on their 100 year old house.  Verle loved his family and was so proud of his children. He was a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm, where he served as an elder, as Congregational Vice President, in the men's group and sang in the choir. He volunteered on many projects at the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean and daughter, Melissa; four brothers, Robert, Noel, Calvin and wife Sandra and Orin Finke; great nephew, Douglas Roth, Jr.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Kathy, Malcolm; daughter, Taylor Finke, Lincoln; son, Josh Finke, Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID; parents-in-law, Don and Jean Christensen; sister-in-law, Dee Micheel;  three brothers-in-law, Kirk and wife Audrey Christensen, Greg and wife Mary Jo Christensen and Randy Christensen; nephew, Robert Finke; four nieces, Christy Finke, Patty and husband Larry Morgan, Sherri and husband Doug Roth and Kari Micheel; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and a host of friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with Verle.