Thelma “Terry” Finke Hur, age 99, of Austin, Tex., passed away on May 3, 2026, attended by family. She was born at home in Cherry Grove on April 17, 1926, the daughter of Raymond and Jessie (Hebrink) Finke.
Thelma was kind, generous, and courageous. She devoted her life to family, church, and her work as an RN and later a realtor. Her steady presence was a source of comfort and strength to those who loved her.
She grew up on a farm with five siblings and attended a one‑room schoolhouse, walking to school every day. She remembered helping with harvest and playing hockey with overshoes on frozen ponds. Church was the center of her social life. After World War II, her father and Rev. Zahl sailed to Poland with a load of cattle to help feed starving families.
Thelma graduated at 16 and began nursing training in Naperville, Ill., then returned to Rochester to work in hospitals and clinics. A surgeon she worked with encouraged her to take a position in Houston, Tex., where she moved, married Kemper Hur, and raised four children.
She is survived by her son Russell Hur, daughters Susan (Gary) Priest and Nancy Powell, son‑in‑law Don MacNeil, brother Paul Finke, sister Beth Mulhern, nine grandchildren, and 17 great‑grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kemper, brothers Russ, Ken and John; and daughter Andrea Hur MacNeil.
She remained active in her family’s lives, even pushing great‑grandchildren on her seated walker until months before her passing.
A small family gathering will be held later in Austin. Memorials may be designated to Good Earth Village Summer Camp.
Sue says
I met Terry (and later Kemper) at Town & Country Real Estate. We started there the same year.. She and Kemper at one time considered opening a t-shirt shop and asked if I’d be interested in that endeavor too. I don’t think the shop ever materialized. We went to MDUMC. I’m still there. She was a nurse; I was a teacher = two common female professions back in the day. To Terry”s children: what a wonderful mom you had! So sorry for your loss.
Dalia Azios says
I remember Terry fondly participating in Chinese Mahjong, which I taught the group, at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston, TX.
She was lively, friendly, and so engaging.
We missed her when she moved away to be closer to her children.
My condolences to her family and, know that you were blessed to have her in your life for all of those years.
Jim hafer says
🙏amazing gal
Jeff Edwards says
I spent many days, most days, in my high school years (1969-1973) at the Hur’s house with Russ , Annie , Sue and Nancy. Terry and Kemper were always so welcoming and friendly, non judgmental and supportive . . Together they were my second family and helped keep my grounded in my formative years . Terry Hur …99 years of helping along so many others and raising such a fine family.