1930
Dr.
2012
Dr. Thomas Finstad
September 28, 1930 — October 29, 2012
Funeral services will be held at Central Lutheran Church, in Elk River, Minnesota on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Indherred Lutheran Cemetery in Starbuck, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements are through Starbuck Funeral Home. Memorials are preferred to Children's Vision International or Central Lutheran Church.
Dr. Thomas John Finstad, age 82, of Anoka, died at home, with his family by his side, on Monday, October 29, 2012; following a courageous battle with cancer.
Thomas (Tom) Finstad, was born September 28, 1930 in Starbuck, Minnesota, the son of Julius and Caroline Finstad. Tom enjoyed his childhood in Starbuck, and graduated from Starbuck high school in 1948. He attended St. Olaf College, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in teaching. He then enlisted in the Army of Occupation, and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he began his teaching career in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. There, he enthusiastically coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1956, he married Loretta (Golie). He worked in the Mounds View School District, in high school administration, for 27 years. He also received his PhD in education from the University of Minnesota in 1972.
Tom earned the respect of all who knew him. He was a man of great Christian conviction and faith, providing a Godly example in his daily life: selfless, humble, tenderhearted, patient, prayerful, and biblically-minded. Even through the darkness of his terminal disease, he remained completely at peace, assured of his salvation through grace. Orphaned at the age of 11, he placed great importance on the blessing of family, and cherished his wife of 56 years ("...and the two shall become one"), and his children and grandchildren, who looked up to him and adored him. He made his love known, and eagerly anticipated the many family gatherings and traditions. He enjoyed the outdoors, and was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He even enjoyed alpine skiing at the age of 80. He studied his bible earnestly, and valued the fellowship of those with like precious faith. He had the gift of humor, and was an eloquent speaker and writer. Being raised on a farm, he retained a determined work ethic, and sought to "do something productive each day." He found joy in the simple things in life; saying his favorite things included "hunting with the family guys, the family Christmas celebration, the laughter of children, and the aroma of freshly cut alfalfa." Tom's integrity and kindness had a gentle influence on the hearts of those who were blessed to know him, and he will be deeply missed.
Tom is survived by his adoring wife, Loretta; sons Mark (Amy) of Oak Grove, and Paul (Lynell) of Ramsey, and daughter Kristin Momont of Duluth; beloved grandchildren; and sister, Carol (Richard) Sisler of Edina. He is preceded in death by his parents and his aunts and uncles.
The family wishes to thank everyone who has brought joy and enrichment to Tom's life, and those who have prayed and supported Tom and the family through this difficult season of life.
Dr. Thomas John Finstad, age 82, of Anoka, died at home, with his family by his side, on Monday, October 29, 2012; following a courageous battle with cancer.
Thomas (Tom) Finstad, was born September 28, 1930 in Starbuck, Minnesota, the son of Julius and Caroline Finstad. Tom enjoyed his childhood in Starbuck, and graduated from Starbuck high school in 1948. He attended St. Olaf College, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in teaching. He then enlisted in the Army of Occupation, and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he began his teaching career in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. There, he enthusiastically coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1956, he married Loretta (Golie). He worked in the Mounds View School District, in high school administration, for 27 years. He also received his PhD in education from the University of Minnesota in 1972.
Tom earned the respect of all who knew him. He was a man of great Christian conviction and faith, providing a Godly example in his daily life: selfless, humble, tenderhearted, patient, prayerful, and biblically-minded. Even through the darkness of his terminal disease, he remained completely at peace, assured of his salvation through grace. Orphaned at the age of 11, he placed great importance on the blessing of family, and cherished his wife of 56 years ("...and the two shall become one"), and his children and grandchildren, who looked up to him and adored him. He made his love known, and eagerly anticipated the many family gatherings and traditions. He enjoyed the outdoors, and was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He even enjoyed alpine skiing at the age of 80. He studied his bible earnestly, and valued the fellowship of those with like precious faith. He had the gift of humor, and was an eloquent speaker and writer. Being raised on a farm, he retained a determined work ethic, and sought to "do something productive each day." He found joy in the simple things in life; saying his favorite things included "hunting with the family guys, the family Christmas celebration, the laughter of children, and the aroma of freshly cut alfalfa." Tom's integrity and kindness had a gentle influence on the hearts of those who were blessed to know him, and he will be deeply missed.
Tom is survived by his adoring wife, Loretta; sons Mark (Amy) of Oak Grove, and Paul (Lynell) of Ramsey, and daughter Kristin Momont of Duluth; beloved grandchildren; and sister, Carol (Richard) Sisler of Edina. He is preceded in death by his parents and his aunts and uncles.
The family wishes to thank everyone who has brought joy and enrichment to Tom's life, and those who have prayed and supported Tom and the family through this difficult season of life.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. Thomas Finstad, please visit our flower store.