Darrell Ralph Finneman

     Darrell Ralph Finneman, age 73, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, flew into the arms of Jesus on July 5, 2026, at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital in Highlands Ranch, Colorado surrounded by the love of his precious family.

     Prior to a hiatal hernia surgery two years ago in April 2024, Darrell was living a full and healthy life. He courageously fought with resilience a long and difficult battle with endless medical challenges following the procedure until complications finally allowed him to rest in peace. He passed away on July 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

      Darrell was born in Beach, North Dakota on August 5, 1952, to Ralph and Christine Finneman and grew up on a farm in the small town of Golva, North Dakota. He grew up learning to work hard on the family farm along with his ten siblings. Darrell's work ethic and character shone throughout his life, and many would say he was a go-getter who accomplished much with his great energy and tireless persistence with perfection on any job or project given to him.

      He attended Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana and received his Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, in 1972. This is when he met his wife ReNee. He moved to Denver where he received his Bachelor's Degree at Metropolitan State College and then went on to receive his Master's Degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. He is a credentialed "Certified Professional Landman (CPL) which is the highest professional designation issued by the American Association of Professional Landman (AAPL).

      Throughout the years Darrell held jobs in many different fields from working in the Anaconda Smelter Company, being a Deputy Sheriff in Cavalier, ND, working as a Criminal Investigator for the Denver District Attorney's office, then changing his profession to being a Petroleum Landman. In 1999, after 18 years with Amoco, not wanting to move to Houston, he changed jobs. He had a long career where he was responsible for business development and growth initiatives involving multiple Land teams that were focused on acquiring and assembling strategic oil and gas lease blocks. He had 40 years of experience working for various oil and gas companies until he retired in 2018.

      On December 4, 1976 Darrell and ReNee Stern were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Golva, ND. He was the best husband ever and loved his wife dearly whom he called "Lovee" and were blessed to be married forty-nine wonderful, adventurous years. As a couple they shared their love of travel and have explored 52 different countries. They worked together on all things and especially as a team remodeling their home and have made Denver their home since 1977.

On October 1, 1987, Darrell and ReNee were blessed with a son, Nathan James Finneman. Darrell was a proud dad who adored spending time with Nathan and teaching him all he could. Darrell and Nathan were two peas out of the same pod. They both loved flying, the same music, making old things look new, and both were pranksters. Darrell and Nathan had a passion for flying and loved their shared adventures in the skies. Their favorite and most memorable flight was when they did the 5-day, Father/Son "Flight of Passage" trip in the open cockpit airplane in 2022. Darrell loved seeing his son Nathan discover the joy of life!

     To say Darrell was deeply beloved by so many would be an understatement. He had friends far and near and from every season of his life with whom he stayed in touch and always made a point to visit or call. He always lit up a room with his big smile, and he never knew a stranger. He had a mischievous side and loved to pull pranks on people and act innocent. Darrell was a great man, whose smile, humor and friendship were treasured. He had a servant's heart and was always kind and helpful.

       Darrell and ReNee made Mission Hills Church in Littleton their Church family. From the moment they walked through those doors they knew it was where they belonged. Darrell treasured the Bible that they gave him and had quiet time in his favorite chair almost every morning. It was here at Mission Hills where their faith as a couple really grew being connected on the same Biblical teachings.

      Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Christine Finneman. He is survived by his loving wife ReNee and son Nathan, and siblings, Gene (Susan), Marylee (Paul), Arlene (Marvin), Pauline (Frank), Brenda (Gary), Lynn (Duane), Gerrianne (Al), Raphael (friend Robin), Mark (Bella), and Michelle (Gary), many nieces, nephews and friends.

      1 Thessalonians 4 says, "We do not grieve as those who are without hope" for we know that in Christ we will meet again. We know that this is not good-bye, but it is a "see you later." Darrell certainly has a "view from above" now, and we look forward to the day he can give us the grand tour once again.

      A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday (July 15th at 10:00am) at Mission Hills Church in the "Grove", 620 Southpark Drive, Littleton, CO 80120 with a reception to follow. Those interested in watching the service live can visit missionhills.org/streaming. The video will go live 15 minutes before the start of the service.

The Vigil Service will be held on Thursday (July 16" at 7:00pm) at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 405 Gass Street, Golva, ND. 58632.

The funeral and Christian burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Golva, ND on Friday (July 17th at 10:00am) with a reception to follow. Live streaming of the service is available with pre-approval on the Tri-Parish Catholic Beach-Golva-Medora (facebook.com).

In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a memorial donation to "The Life Center" ministry of Mission Hills. They serve the needy in a safe place. In memory of Darrell Ralph Finneman. Details available at link.