Finstad, Dr. Thomas John 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 graduated from Starbuck high school in 1948. He attended St. Olaf College; then enlisted in the Army of Occupation, stationed in Germany. After honorable discharge, he taught and coached in Buffalo Lake. In 1956, he married Loretta (Golie). He worked in the Mounds View School District, in high school administration, for 27 years. He received his PhD in education from the U of M in 1972. Tom earned the respect of all who knew him. He was a man of great Christian faith, providing a Godly example in his daily life: selfless, humble, tenderhearted, patient, and biblically-minded. Even with his terminal disease, he remained at peace, assured of salvation through grace. Orphaned at age of 11, he placed great importance on the blessing of family, and cherished his wife of 56 years, 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 was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and golfer. 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 writer. 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. Funeral services will be held at Central Lutheran Church, in Elk River, Minnesota on Friday, November 2nd at 11 AM, with visitation preceding at 10 AM. Memorials are preferred to Children's Vision International or Central Lutheran Church. Arr. with Starbucks Funeral Home 320-589-3220
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November 4, 2012
Jennifer Eby
Mark, I am so sorry for your family's loss. I started working with you about 20 months ago, I knew then how close you were to your father. It was so fast, and I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jenn Eby
November 1, 2012
Bob Giddings
Paul and family,
We are sorry to here of the passing of your father and husband. May he be in your thoughts and prayers for eternity.
God Bless.
Bob Giddings and family
October 31, 2012
DeArv Gimm
Tom was a valued friend,professional colleague,forthright, and upright. He modeled his Christian beliefs and blessed many with his life, including me.
October 31, 2012
Tom was a friend from our work together at Moundsview and a friend on many hunting trips. We had many great times together. Ruth and I enjoyed their visits to Tucson. Bless the family in their grief. Bob and Ruth Carlson
October 30, 2012
Glenn and Jill Sonsteby
Tom has been a great neighbor. He was a man of faith and showed integrity in all he did. He will be missed. Our hearts go out to Loretta and family at this time of his passing. We pray for God's peace in this time of loss.
October 30, 2012
Paul & Marion Marcotte
With all of our deepest regrets to the Finstad Family,
October 30, 2012
lORETTA AND FAMILY- PLEASE ACCEPT MY MOST SINCERE SYMPATHY ON YOUR LOSS. I AM HAPPY THAT YOU AND MY GOOD FRIEND TOM MADE IT TO OUR LAST REUNION. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AT ST.OLAF AND HE WILL CERTAINLY BE REMEMBERED BY MANY OF US WHO WERE HIS 'OLE' FRIENDS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN. LOVE DICK 'OVE' OVINGTON
October 30, 2012
Tom Fischer
Tom Finstad was an amazing dad, coach, educator, and human being.
I first learned of the amazing Finstad family as a little boy in Buffalo Lake, MN. Imagine my surprise when the Finstad kids started showing up in my classrooms in Anoka. Tom was a great dad and with his lifetime partner and friend, Loretta, have left a legacy which will continue for generations.
We grieve for Tom's passing but we are thankful for the way that he lived. Thank you for sharing him.
October 30, 2012
Jim & Sue Rotramel
Tom was a great friend over many years, at Starbuck, St. Olaf and St. Olaf reunions. Our relationship became more meaningful in recent years as we vacationed with the Finstads and shared our faith. Tom maintained his skills on the clarinet and we enjoyed his casual concerts of the old standards. A wonderful Christian man; we'll miss him.
October 30, 2012
Dal;e Klungness
How very saddened we are to hear of Tom's passing. His influence and example here on earth will live on forever with family and friends. May this be a tribute that will help you all through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dale and Vi Klungness
October 30, 2012
Tony Plemel
My condolences to the Finstad family. Tom was my realtor and my very good friend's father. He, always, was warm, friendly, and had kind words for all around him. He would help anyone with a project. A great man, father, husband, person...
Rest easy Tom. You will be missed!
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