Deborah Finney, 70, of Humboldt, Minnesota passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center in Hallock, Minnesota.

Deborah Jean Balken was born September 26, 1952 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the eldest child of Gordon and Dorothy Balken. She grew up in Pine River, Minnesota and graduated from there in 1970. Deb attended Bemidji State University graduating with a teaching degree in 1974. Her first job was at Hallock Elementary School. She remained in the Hallock and later Kittson Central School system until her retirement in 2009.

On June 27, 1981, she was united in marriage to Daniel Finney. They made their home in Humboldt and later on the family farm in rural St. Vincent, Minnesota. On April 12, 1990 their son, Bryant, was born.

Deb was an avid gardener and bird watcher. She spent many hours working in her garden and watching the birds and butterflies that she nurtured. She loved her cats and other peoples' as well. She was an active member of Humboldt Methodist Church and the UMW, serving on the board and as an officer in the UMW. She worked for many summers at the Kittson County Fair where she handled the exhibit entries (and on more than one occasion was commandeered as a judge). She and her son Bryant were often contributors as well. Dan and Deb were longtime members of the Hallock Curling Club. Deb did not care whether she won or lost. She always tried her hardest, but she was truly just there to have fun! She was a member of a hobby club, homemakers' group, birthday club and Delta Kappa Sorority. She enjoyed many interactions with all of the groups, as well as volunteering at the Care and Share Pantry in Hallock. Deb was an avid reader and leaves behind an extensive library. She enjoyed bazaars and hobby shows, and has many relics to show for that. She enjoyed traveling and went on many trips with her very good friend Betty, and later with Dan and other friends and relatives.

Deb was always on hand to help others in her quiet and caring way; whether it was to provide rides to appointments or by simply being there when you needed a friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Deborah Jean Finney is survived by her mother, Dorothy Balken; sister, Eva (Bruce) Haber, brother, Gordy (Angie) Balken; brother-in-law, John (Maureen) Finney, niece, Kristen (Daniel Harvieux); as well as other nieces and nephews. Deb was preceded in death by her husband Dan, son Bryant, and father, Gordon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humboldt Methodist Church and the Cornerstone Pantry in Hallock.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Humboldt Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Joe River Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the service.