David Malhon Finley was born on December 13, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Henry and Sally (Nisala) Finley. He was baptized and confirmed on December 12, 1958 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wadena, Minnesota. David graduated from Mount Clemens High School with the class of 1953. David enlisted in the United States Air Force, honorably serving his country from June 16, 1955 to April 15, 1959. He then attended Michigan State College, receiving a degree in engineering.

On June 21, 1958, David was united in marriage to Janet Grewe in Wadena, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children: Jeff, Karen, Scott, and Terri. David was employed with NASA, working as an engineer until retiring in May of 1990. Together, their family traveled to California, North Carolina, American Samoa and Maryland during his career. 

During his retirement years, David enjoyed working at Wadena Liquors and the Wadena Golf Course. He also enjoyed model airplanes and video games.

On October 8, 2020 David passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota at 85 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding David in death are his parents: Henry and Sally; and siblings: Mike Finley; and Barbara Hall.

David is survived by his loving wife: Janet; children: Jeff (Sherry) Finley of Brevard, North Carolina; Karen Martus of Wadena, Minnesota; Scott (Tami) Finley of LaConnor, Washington; and Terri (Randy) Schmidt of Fairbanks, Alaska; 6 grandchildren: Holly, Nikki, Spencer, Matt, James, and Samantha; many other relatives and a host of friends.