Merlyn Arthur Finstad

Merlyn Finstad age 88, of Saint James, Minnesota died on October 9, 2023. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Albion Lutheran Church in Saint James. A Memorial Service will be held at Albion Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 pm. The clergy will be Rev. Robert Springer. Interment will be at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Merlyn Arthur Finstad was born on May 27, 1935, in New Richmond, Wisconsin, to Sigrid (Iverson) Finstad and Arthur Finstad. He graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1953. In 1954, Merlyn met Gwenice Toll at the Springfield skating rink and they started a relationship that lasted almost 70 years. Merlyn married Gwenice in May of 1957. Merlyn and Gwenice bought a farm near Godahl where they raised their three children and hosted many family gatherings over the years. Merlyn and Gwenice enjoyed 65 years of marriage before Gwenice passed away on February 9, 2023.

Merlyn was a skilled mechanic, a long-distance truck driver, a farmer and a lifelong friend to many. He helped out his neighbors and could be depended upon to provide a ride to the doctor or to help clear a driveway after a winter storm. He retired from farming in 1998 to have more time to help his mother after his dad passed away. He was a loving and devoted son, husband and father. Merlyn is best remembered for his sense of humor and his love of jokes - many directed at himself.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his wife, Gwenice Finstad, and his parents Sigrid and Arthur Finstad. He is survived by his son Brian Finstad, daughter Deborah Finstad (Mark Gebhart), daughter Michelle Finstad (Brian Lieb) and granddaughters Isabel Lieb and Elena Lieb. He will be missed.