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Herman "Tex" Finsterwald II
Born: 8/15/1942
Died: 7/12/2024
Age: 81
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Finsterwald II, Herman “Tex” – Age 81, of Grand Blanc, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Herman’s Tribute Wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Herman Finsterwald II was born on August 15, 1942, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Herman and Elsie (Westman) Finsterwald. He graduated from Flint Central High School in 1960. He received a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from General Motors Institute (GMI) in 1966. He completed his internship at General Motors Fisher Body and continued to work there after graduation until retiring with over 35 years of service in 1997.
Tex developed a love for Soap Box Derby while racing in Flint as a child. His love kept him active by helping other young racers including his son Mark; Together they raced for 8 years and built six derby cars. He was the Flint Soap Box Derby director in the 70’s. He also was one of a few individuals who founded the National Derby Rallies (NDR) which provides additional opportunities for young racers to race around the country. He was inducted into The Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2006. He was still active in the derby, attending races and helping others until the end. His love for racing extended even further as he attended over twenty Indy 500 races and went to numerous racing events across the country. In 1984 Tex designed an airfoil for the rear wing strut of the 2nd place finishing car at the Indy 500. In the mid-2000s he also worked on the U.S. Bobsled team along with a few of his close Soap Box Derby friends.
He enjoyed helping Mark with home improvements, working on cars and going to swap meets. He loved watching his grandsons when they were young and watching their golf tournaments and soccer games over the years.
Surviving Tex is his son; Mark (Christy) Finsterwald, grandsons Alex and Evan Finsterwald and his sister Lynn Croll.
Tex is preceded in death by his wife, Janet and his parents Herman and Elsie. Tex was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He was loved and will be sorely missed.
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| Visitation |
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7/18/2024 |
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| Funeral Service |
| No Service |
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