Vernon Finn Grinaker

Vernon Finn Grinaker died peacefully at Innovis Hospital on Sunday, June 13, 2004. Finn was born January 29, 1923 in Fargo to Nels and Othilde Grinaker. He graduated from Halstad High School in 1941 and entered Concordia that fall. In the spring of 1943 he joined the Navy and earned his wings as a pilot, serving until November 1945. He resumed his studies and athletic career in January 1946, graduating from Concordia in 1948. Finn received a M.S. from Colorado State University and joined the faculty of Concordia's physical education department in the fall of 1949. He married Carol Jeanne Fark on May 26, 1951, making their home in Moorhead. Over the succeeding 39 years, he became a full professor of physical education at Concordia, earned a second M.S. degree from the University of Oregon and served as a coach in wrestling, football, basketball and golf. Finn was the backbone of the physical education department for more than three decades. A conscientious and effective educator, he was looked to for academic leadership by his co-workers. His farsighted contributions to curriculum development included a foundations course that was made a requirement for all Concordia students in the 1960's. That course was the forerunner of the widely-accepted wellness component in curriculums of today. As a teacher of biomechanics, exercise physiology, measurement and evaluation, and methods classes, his work formed the heart of the academic preparation for hundreds of future teachers and coaches. His sincere interest in the academic growth of his students was evident in all of his professional endeavors. Finn was inducted into the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 and received the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Service Award. Finn was also inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame. After retirement, Finn authored two books: "I Played for Jake" about legendary coach Jake Christiansen and "Stand Up and Cheer: the Story of the First 100 Years of Men's Sports at Concordia."He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, serving on the church council and as an usher. Finn will be remembered for his dedication and character and for his keen sense of humor. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 53 years; daughters Kristen Warren Whitworth of Detroit Lakes, Kathryn Paul Oppegard of Moorhead; Mary Laura Grinaker of Middleton, WI; daughter-in-law Kathleen of Minneapolis; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, David, brother Norman, sister Greta and his parents Nels and Othilda.