Dr. Lawrence Finnegan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Finnegan, was born on December 22, 1896, in Ironton Township, Sauk County. A graduate of Reedsburg High School, he received his degree in dentistry from St. Louis University in 1918. Dr. Finnegan practiced dentistry in Madison for a short time before coming to Beloit, where he practiced for 40 years.

He married Genevieve McGavock on October 3, 1922, in Beloit. His interest in education and athletics prompted the late George B. Ingersoll, City Manager, to appoint him to the school board in 1935 to fill a vacancy caused by the death of L.P. Rosenthal. He was re-elected a number of terms and in 1948 members of the board renamed him president of the group for the eighth consecutive time. It was during Dr. Finnegan’s tenure that the planning and starting of construction of memorial High School occurred. Additions to the Waterman, Merrill and Cunningham elementary schools also were completed during his years of service. He was a member of St. Jude’s church, the National Dental Association, Elks Lodge, West-Field Post, American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.

A veteran of World War I, he served as Civil Defense Director during World War II. His hobby was golf. He won the Beloit men’s championship in 1957, as well as numerous other tournaments and trophies. Dr. and Mrs. Finnegan had four children: Mary Katherine, Eileen, Arthur and Eugene. He died on September 29, 1959 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Beloit. From the Daily News at the time of his death: “Community young people lost a real friend in the unexpected death of Dr. Lawrence R. Finnegan.

He loved young people and boosted not only for formal educational facilities, but was keenly interested in their varied activities. Dr. Finnegan was a moving force behind the new Memorial High School. He rarely missed a high school athletic contest. He carried his interest over into the city recreation depart-ment. Personality played a large part in Dr. Finnegan’s popularity and he had a legion of friends. He will be missed in many circles but perhaps the young people will miss him most. He was their booster and their friend.”