Vernon Finnestad

Vernon Finnestad, age 96, of Saint James passed away on December 20, 2023 at Good Samaritan - Pleasant View in St. James.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in Saint James. The funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Saint James on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Saint James.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Vernon was born May 27, 1927, to John and Mamie Finnestad in Fenton, Iowa. He attended country school and later graduated from high school at Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota. Vern started working for ASCS out of Emmetsburg, Iowa as a bin site supervisor. In 1948, he married Kathleen Rusch and in 1951 they moved to rural Odin, Minnesota. Vern farmed and continued to work for the ASCS out of Saint James, moving to rural Saint James in 1963. He continued at ASCS, farming, and most recently a mail carrier.

After retirement, Vern and Kathleen enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona and made many new friends. Vern enjoyed traveling, fishing, golf, billiards, and volunteering at the Arizona R.V. park and First Lutheran Church.

Vern is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Kathleen; children, Sherry (Doug) Miest, Stan (Pat) Finnestad, Steve (Su) Finnestad, and Susan (Bill) Kisken; nine grandchildren; and twenty-one great grandchildren.

Vern was preceded in death by parents, John and Mamie Finnestad; grandson, Troy Miest; sisters, Faith Tunge and Mary Lou Vigil; brother, Wayne Finnestad; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.