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John Finstad Obituary
October 28, 1936 -
John Finstad, 88, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side.
John was born in New Deal, MT on Oct. 28, 1936. Soon after the building of Fort Peck Dam, the Finstad family moved to Helena, MT where Tony (father) started Finstad Flooring.
In elementary school, John became the Helena marbles champion. John attended Helena High School and also went to MSU Bozeman. In 1955 John joined the Air Force and was stationed in California and then Fairbanks, Alaska in air traffic control. John met Bonnie Norling in 1957. In 1958 they were married in Fairbanks. After leaving the Air Force, they returned to Helena to work in the family floor covering business. During his career at Finstad Flooring, John perfected the art of residential and commercial floor covering. Respected by many for his dedication and focus, John led the company into a successful future. John was a champion of hard work, and took great pride in everything he did, from contract bidding (which he did for over 40 years) to running commercial installation throughout the United States. John retired in 2003 selling Finstad Flooring to his son-in-law Doug and daughter Terre Hogan.
John loved to fish, hunt, ski, boat, and teach the kids to drive. A favorite winter pastime was skiing with the family at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. He was a "passionate outdoorsman" who was most comfortable in Montana's landscapes and always thankful and appreciative of what God had created. One of John's passions was fishing the Big Horn River. He always felt the happiest when he was in the front of a drift boat with a cup of coffee hooking a big rainbow.
John and Bonnie loved to travel and spent time at their cabin in Lincoln, MT with many of the family and grandkids. After selling the cabin, they moved from Helena to Bigfork. John and his quick wit inspired, encouraged, helped, loved and touched so many people in his life.
John dearly loved the Lord, his wife, and family.
John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Bonnie Finstad of Bigfork, MT, son Eric Finstad of Billings, daughter Valerie Westfall, son-in-law Don of Texas, daughter Terre Hogan, son-in-law Doug of Helena, sister Annette Finstad of Helena, and sister Donna Finstad of Missoula. In addition, Grand children include: Kelli Finstad, Michelle Finstad, Courtney Brown, Lauren Fredricks, Dan Westfall, Mark Westfall and 4 great grandkids with one more on the way. John was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Emma Finstad.
A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Finstad
Sponsored by Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory.
Nancy Burnham
March 21, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Not much fun being a widow.
I´ve been in Texas for the winter. Just ready to return to Helena.
JERRY ANDERS
March 21, 2025
Dear Bonnie & family, So sorry to read about John passing. He was a very gentle, kind person & Joan & I were so glad to have known him. I have very good memories of all the things Joan & I & you & John did together. I have great memories of hunting & fishing with John. One outstanding thing that I always recall is when you, John, Joan & I went up on the Little Blackfoot so that John & I could go fishing. We left you girls at the little rest area while John & I went down the railroad track quite a distance, so we could fish our way back to the rest area. We had a great time, but it took us a long time & the mosquitos were horrendous, so by the time we finally got back, you ladies were quite upset with us, although I'm sure you had plenty of fun laughing together while we were gone! No doubt John & Joan are now having fun reminiscing about all those adventures, since they are both at home in heaven together.
Laurie (Kenney) Tobol
March 19, 2025
Dear Val and your entire family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I remember him as being such a kind and generous man. Both he and your Mom were always so wonderful to deal with at the store when we had flooring needs. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve his passing; losing and grieving the loss of a parent is something we are never quite ready for, no matter how old we get. May God bless and comfort you during this very sad and difficult time.
Fred and Judy Flanders
March 16, 2025
Our sincerest sympathy for your loss.
Mary Westover & Oliver Westover
March 16, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carter EBY
March 16, 2025
I´ll never forget the years I worked for John Finstad. JF as we called him, gentle, loving, and hard-working. A milestone in my life included JF when working for Finnestead flooring I ran into a snowstorm coming from a job in Boulder, I ended up in a white out and hit a snow plow from behind . My truck was thrown into the snowbank and damaged quite a lot. I felt so bad for that, I was only 19 years old . I made my way back to town with the wrecker and call JF and told him the bad news. His first reply was "are you OK" that really touched my heart that he cared more about me then the fairly new work truck that I had wrecked JF will always be in my heart. Many times in my life I have thought of him and the man of God that he was I can´t wait to give him a hug in heaven one day. I will always remember him as my third dad.
Donna Wise
March 16, 2025
Bonnie, Sorry to hear of John´s passing. He was always so pleasant to me, a customer, when I was in the store . I remember doing a painting of Central school years ago for you to give to John. Best regards to you and his family.
Carol Christnacht
March 16, 2025
Oh ! I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Finstad was always so kind and welcoming to me! I remember going skiing with you all to Big Sky. Oh what a fun trip that was!!!! Blessings and Prayers to you all.
Dawn Ritchie
March 15, 2025
Jonny was one of the kindest men we have ever met. We will forever miss his sweet smile at the cafe. Until we meet again in heaven someday. Your friends at pocketstone cafe. We love you
Judy and Jim Martin
March 15, 2025
Beautiful tribute to our friend John. He left us with memories we won´t forget. And an honor to have been his friend. And fishing partner.
Scott and Jodi Lindgren
March 15, 2025
Dear Terre, Doug and your entire family,
We are praying for you as you walk through grief in losing your precious dad and all that he was to each one of you.
May the Lord surround you with comfort and strength in these coming days and months.
Love you, Scott and Jodi
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Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory525 South Main Street P.O. Box 966, Kalispell, MT 59903
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