Obituary for John Finnegan "Finn" McFadden
John Finnegan McFadden, who went by Finn, died July 7, 2023 in Minneapolis at the age of 22. Finn was an athlete, a musician, an artist. He loved driving his car around the lakes of Minneapolis and in the mountains in Montana. He was dedicated to his fitness and looking sharp. As an engineering major at Montana State University in Bozeman he was meeting head-on the challenges of a rigorous academic program and bringing hip-hop to the Gallatin foothills.
At Washburn High School he lettered in band, track, and cross-country. His Senior year he took up wrestling and earned team Rookie of the Year honors. That year he was also captain of the Wolfpack Ultimate Club.
His passion for snowboarding helped lead him to MSU, but he was sidetracked by mental health diagnoses. Covid didn’t help. Over years Finn worked his way back. He got sober. He worked with his team at the HOPE program. He built back his academics at Normandale Community College. Finn had just completed a successful year back at MSU and was enrolled for the Fall.
On July 7 Finn decided that he was done. We believe Finn is now at peace, but we miss his quick humor, the heart he had for family and friends, and the amazing energy he brought to a room.
Finn is survived by his parents, Elisabeth Creighton and Edward McFadden Jr., and his twin brother Oscar, who was his best friend, confidante, and competitor. Finn spent hours debating with Oscar the merits of everything from dinosaurs to Anime to the top-5 rappers, but most importantly seeking Oscar’s support with his day-to-day challenges.
Finn also leaves behind an extended family of DeYoungs, Gladbachs, Marsdens, McFaddens, and Creightons that were his greatest comfort and safest space.
A visitation will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Linden Hills on Friday, July 14 from 6-8 PM with a memorial service on Saturday at 11:00 AM also at St. John’s followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Minnesota chapter of NAMI [ https://namimn.org ] CLICK HERE or the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board [ https://www.minneapolisparks.org ] CLICK HERE
At Washburn High School he lettered in band, track, and cross-country. His Senior year he took up wrestling and earned team Rookie of the Year honors. That year he was also captain of the Wolfpack Ultimate Club.
His passion for snowboarding helped lead him to MSU, but he was sidetracked by mental health diagnoses. Covid didn’t help. Over years Finn worked his way back. He got sober. He worked with his team at the HOPE program. He built back his academics at Normandale Community College. Finn had just completed a successful year back at MSU and was enrolled for the Fall.
On July 7 Finn decided that he was done. We believe Finn is now at peace, but we miss his quick humor, the heart he had for family and friends, and the amazing energy he brought to a room.
Finn is survived by his parents, Elisabeth Creighton and Edward McFadden Jr., and his twin brother Oscar, who was his best friend, confidante, and competitor. Finn spent hours debating with Oscar the merits of everything from dinosaurs to Anime to the top-5 rappers, but most importantly seeking Oscar’s support with his day-to-day challenges.
Finn also leaves behind an extended family of DeYoungs, Gladbachs, Marsdens, McFaddens, and Creightons that were his greatest comfort and safest space.
A visitation will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Linden Hills on Friday, July 14 from 6-8 PM with a memorial service on Saturday at 11:00 AM also at St. John’s followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Minnesota chapter of NAMI [ https://namimn.org ] CLICK HERE or the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board [ https://www.minneapolisparks.org ] CLICK HERE