Fr. Basil Finken (1912-2007)

Father Basil Finken passed away October 13, 2007.

Father Basil (Sylvan) Finken is remembered as a zealous pastor, dedicated fisherman, quiet and supportive confrere, uncomplaining elder and with a wry, yet simple sense of humor. 

Sylvan Finken was born in Defiance, Iowa, May 30, 1912.  Primary schooling was in Defiance and after one year at Des Moines Catholic College he transferred to St. Benedict’s College, Atchison, with the intention of studying for the priesthood.  He did enter the novitiate of the Abbey and took the name, Basil.  He graduated later from St. Benedict’s with a degree in Philosophy in 1937.  He had professed vows as a monk in 1935.  After theological studies at the Abbey School of Theology, Bishop Paul C. Schulte ordained Father Basil to the priesthood May 18, 1940.

Father Basil’s life as a priest-monk was very much in the tradition of the Abbey community.  He served the Church and the community mainly as a pastor or chaplain.  He was chaplain to the Benedictine Sisters and students at St. Scholastica High School in Chicago for some time.  Earlier he had been at Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca, St. Benedict-St. Joseph’s in Kansas City, Kan., and St Bede, Kelly, Kan.  Father Basil retired at age 81, and the community was blessed with his presence.