Obituary of Celesta Rose Finck
On January 29, 2021, Mrs. Celesta Rose Finck received her heavenly crown of righteousness from her Saviour at 28 years of age. Celesta was born on January 27, 1993, in Chanute, KS. On November 3, 2012, she married the love of her life, Joshua Finck. They were blessed with five wonderful children, three girls and two boys, and made their home in Tabor, South Dakota. She lived a life devoted to Christ, which she expressed beautifully in the following song:
When I leave this life behind me how will people find me?
What will I be remembered for?
Will my legacies be riches, great talent or of fame?
What will they remember when they hear my name?
I want to be remembered for making Jesus known.
Giving Him the glory for the wonders He has shown.
If I had one more life to live
If I had one more death to die
I would give it all to Jesus
In me, may He be glorified!
- By Celesta Finck
Celesta lived a full 27 years, which was her golden year. Her last year was filled with fun and adventure! A weekend trip to the Black hills, camping on our island, canoe rides, campfires, and so much more.
Celesta loved flowers and this past summer, a dream was fulfilled when we planted a flower field. Her Fridays and Saturdays were spent picking, arranging, and selling bouquets at the local farmers’ market. It was hard work, but it brought her so much joy! Ultimately, her true joy came from her love for Christ Jesus! Her endless joy; love of flowers, sunshine, music, kids, animals, spinning in circles, etc., all came from her relationship with the Saviour. She was so full of life and brought out the best in people. Celesta was a vessel that God could use.
One way she expressed her love for Him was through music. Most of her songs are filled with scriptures, thankfulness, and her heart's longing for her King. She wanted to make Jesus known. Her confidence of Salvation and a home in heaven someday came from her trust in the gospel. She believed that Christ died on the cross for her sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. Her faith in this alone was what made her a child of the King.
She is survived by her husband, Joshua Finck, and their five children, all of the home; her parents Bill & Rosamary Gilligan of Savonburg, KS; and 12 brothers and sisters: Elizabeth Vogel (Scott), Zechariah Gilligan (Ailyn), Eric Gilligan (Audrey), Victor Gilligan, Kyle Gilligan (Casandra), Kara Cunningham (John), Cameron Gilligan (Emma), Benjamin Gilligan (Regan), Allison Gilligan, Abigail Gilligan, Stephen Gilligan, Isaac Gilligan, and many, very-loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents John & Alice Gilligan, Zeno & Mary Frances King; and infant sister, Breanna Gilligan.
Celesta’s celebration of life will be held at Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Tabor, SD, on Saturday, February 6th, 2021, at 2:00 PM. There will be a gathering and dinner at the 2 homes on the Finck farm following the burial. All are welcome to attend.
. Those from the Kansas area who are unable to attend, there will be a short memorial service February 13, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Savonburg Evangelical Covenant Church, Savonburg, KS. Josh and his family will not be able to attend, but the Bill Gilligan family welcomes everyone to stay for a time of visiting and sharing following the service. Flowers are welcome to honor her life for the service.
Memorials in honor of Celesta may be made to the Grace Bible Church or as a contribution to the family to help defray medical expenses (please designate donations); both of which can be sent to P.O. Box 7078, Yankton SD 57078.
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