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Mark Finstad 01/09/2025

Mark Finstad 01/09/2025

Mark Andrew Finstad, age 39, of Vadnais Heights, MN passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 9, 2025, and is now in eternal rest with our Lord.

Mark was born to Craig and Rhonda Finstad on June 1, 1985, in River Falls, Wisconsin and baptized on August 11, 1985.  He was a 2003 graduate of River Falls High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, in Menomonie, Wisconsin.  He spent many years working in the home mortgage industry and most recently was employed by Allianz Life Insurance in Golden Valley, MN as an account services representative. He was well-liked and respected by his many friends and co-workers.

Sports were a big part of Mark’s life, whether it was playing them, watching them on television, or attending games in person.  Mark loved to play golf, and was an avid Packers, Brewers, Badgers and Bucks fan. From a very early age, Mark followed high school basketball and attended the Wisconsin State boys basketball tournament every year.  He was known for his sense of humor and ability to quote movie lines and sports trivia.  He had a close relationship with his family, was a great and loyal friend and a wonderful uncle to his niece and nephews.  Mark was known for his quiet and unassuming demeanor, his kindness, gentleness, dependability, selflessness and generosity.

Mark will be dearly missed by his parents, Craig and Rhonda Finstad; siblings, Joel (Bridgett) Finstad and Kristen (Andrew) Darkow; aunts and uncles, Brad (Terese) Finstad, Tanya (Charley) Schlee, Stewart Brettingen, Randall (Elsa) Brettingen; niece and nephews, Madison and Dane Finstad, and James and John Darkow; cousins, Alex Schlee, Carly Schlee, Amy (Brad) Hribar, Lindsey (Mike) Fehr, Alex Brettingen and Anna (Eric) Thompson; along with many other family and friends.

Mark is preceded in death by his grandparents, Orvin and Beverly Finstad and Orrie and Arliss Brettingen; aunts and uncle, Nadine and Steve Bittner and Nancy Brettingen.

A funeral service for Mark will take place on Wednesday, January 15,  2025 at 12:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division St) River Falls, Wisconsin, with visitation beginning at 10:00AM.  Mark’s service will be streamed live using the link below.  Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch Mark’s service live on January 15, 2025.

29 Comments

  • Melanie Tevik Posted January 10, 2025 2:58 pm

    Craig, Rhonda, Joel and Kristen, my heart hurts for all of you. Lifting you up in prayer. May Mark be at peace. ~Mel

  • Kathy Morrow Posted January 10, 2025 4:43 pm

    Craig, Rhonda, Joel
    Kristen & Families….
    My heart is breaking💔
    I am so very sorry for
    Your deep loss❤️‍🩹
    May you feel the love
    & support of family &
    Friends that surrounds
    You❤️ God Bless your
    Beautiful memories of Mark.
    May they bring comfort & peace.
    Blessings.

  • mary engel Posted January 10, 2025 4:50 pm

    Oh my heart is just broken for you all. Mark was so special to our family. He and our Krissy had such good times. I’m so sorry. Our prayers are with you all.

  • Patrick J Magee Posted January 10, 2025 6:02 pm

    Thoughts & prayers with you. Let us know if there’s anything we can do for the family.
    Loved Mark!

  • Greg Lackey Posted January 10, 2025 7:03 pm

    Craig, Rhonda, Joel and Kristen. I am so sorry. I had a lot of great memories with Mark. Rest easy Finny.

  • Eric Johnson Posted January 10, 2025 7:22 pm

    I never met your son, Craig, but wanted to say how sorry I am to read of your loss. I’m praying for your family and hoping you can be at peace.

  • Jeanneaamodt Posted January 10, 2025 7:58 pm

    I am quite heartbroken for your family Craig, Rhonda, Joel and Kristen and family prayers and thoughts are with you at this time may you find love and peace as he is in God’s loving arms

  • Kim Teppen Hanson Posted January 10, 2025 8:05 pm

    Heartbreaking!
    Praying for you all 🙏

  • Karin Rost Posted January 10, 2025 8:32 pm

    My heart aches for your family. The memories I have of Mark always include his sunny disposition and kind heart whether in sports, piano lessons, or as an elementary student. This really sucks.

  • Kerry Nelson Posted January 10, 2025 9:02 pm

    Craig and Rhonda and family:

    There are no words right now. Just an extension of my deepest sympathy to each of you. May our Lord Jesus provide you with the comfort that only He can prove. Big hugs.

  • Vivian Lindstrom Posted January 11, 2025 7:23 am

    I’m deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Craig, Rhonda, Joel, and Kristen, my deepest sympathies to all of you

  • Vivian Lindstrom Posted January 11, 2025 7:25 am

    I’m deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Craig, Rhonda, Joel, and Kristen, my deepest sympathies to all of you. May Fod encircle you with his love.

  • Candace R Bettendorf Bettendorf Posted January 11, 2025 7:39 am

    So very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you, and fill your hearts with His comfort and peace.

  • Ruth and Tim McNamara Posted January 11, 2025 9:06 am

    We are saddened to hear of Mark’s passing and sorry for your family’s loss.

  • Mary Waters Posted January 11, 2025 9:40 am

    My very deepest symapthy to your family on your hearbreaking loss. My prayers are with you all.

  • David Woeste Posted January 11, 2025 9:57 am

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family.

  • Terry Linehan Posted January 11, 2025 10:42 am

    To Craig, Rhonda, and family. My heart is with you in your time of loss. I did not know Mark. Because he was a Finstad, he must have been unforgettable and spectacular. Sending my love and friendship forever.

  • Cheri Pechacek Posted January 11, 2025 12:17 pm

    To the entire Finstad Family, my heart breaks for you all with the loss of your son, brother and uncle Mark. May you all be comforted by your family, friends and our Almighty God. May Mark rest in peace and God wrap his arms around you all in this time of sorrow.

  • Mike and Ann Elling Posted January 11, 2025 12:45 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. We offer our heartfelt condolences. Hopefully the cherished moments your family shared will bring you some comfort. 😢. Thinking of you!

  • Jim and Carol Farr Posted January 11, 2025 2:26 pm

    Craig, Rhonda, Joel and Kristen
    When I think of Mark, words like gentle, kind and sweet come to mind and fill my heart. Mark, James and the rest of that crew of guys grew up together. The years of baseball and basketball were wonderful times.
    We send you our most heartfelt love as you navigate through this difficult time.
    Jim and Carol

  • Brent calverley Posted January 11, 2025 2:38 pm

    This is heartbreaking… I’m so sad prayers to you guys

  • Kate Giever Posted January 11, 2025 3:01 pm

    Craig and Rhonda, during this time of unimaginable grief, may you find solace in the love and memories you shared with Mark.His spirit lives on in the lives he touched. He is gone too soon.

  • Jerry and Carol Williams Posted January 11, 2025 6:42 pm

    With heavy hearts we are thinking of you and so sorry for the loss of Mark. We have fond memories of him playing basketball and having fun with the gang. Our deepest sympathies. Jerry and Carol.

  • Jim and Lola Higgins Posted January 12, 2025 11:24 am

    Craig and Rhonda, and Family, we are so saddened to hear of the passing of your Son Mark. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs. Jim and Lola

  • Chris & Kim Carley Posted January 12, 2025 12:26 pm

    Craig, Rhonda and family. We are thinking of you at this very sad time. We were very surprised and saddened when we heard of Mark’s passing . We have very fond memories of Mark growing up from elementary school through high school. All of you are in our prayers. Chris & Kim.

  • Jo and Bud Ayres Posted January 12, 2025 1:22 pm

    Craig and Rhonda, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are stunned and are having a difficult time finding words to say to you! Our hearts hurt for you and your family. As parents, we think we should never have to .experience the loss of our child, it should be us the parent. The two of you are very special, We value you and your friendship. Please let us know if we can be of any help. You are loved. With sincere condolences, Jo and Bud

  • Sandy Davis Posted January 12, 2025 4:35 pm

    Craig and Rhonda, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will find peace and comfort from the Lord.

  • Barb and Steve nelson Posted January 12, 2025 7:03 pm

    Dear Rhonda,Craig,and family, it was so hard to see this. Our hearts are so saddened for you loss. I still remember the day your son was born. Mark and our son were both in the nursery at hospital together. I still can remember Craig’s face smiling into the glass so proudly. We are just so sorry. Our love and prayers to each of you. God bless you. Barb and Steve Nelson

  • Craig Finstad Posted January 12, 2025 9:12 pm

    We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support of our community of friends and acquaintances. We are heartbroken over the loss of Mark, but your amazing support, along with our faith has provided much comfort and peace. Thank you all so much!

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