Alton "Pat" Finstrom

Alton “Pat” Finstrom, of Buxton, North Dakota, was raised and educated in Buxton, North Dakota, and passed away surrounded by his family.

Pat spent his life farming and was proud to call Buxton home. He believed in hard work, serving his community, and taking care of his family.

He was married to his wife, Joanne, for 74 years. Together they raised three children and built a life centered on family.

Pat served on the Central Valley School Board, the Buxton Grain Co-op, the Buxton Township Board, Buxton Oil Co-op and served in various positions at Ny Stavanger Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran churches. He believed in giving back to his community and quietly did so for many years.

He enjoyed following UND sports, golfing and playing cards with family and friends. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pat is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, Steve (Judy) Finstrom, Debbie (Myles) Jensen, and Dawn (Kirk) Waslien; his grandchildren, Chastity (Brendan), Christopher, Nicholas (Michael), Jeremy, Josh (Sarah), Jake, Andy, Brady, and Cody; and his great-grandchildren, Zoe, Brayden, Kolby, Thea, Jada, and Jace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Finstrom; his brothers, Melvin Finstrom, Earl Finstrom, Luverne Sommerfeldt, and Francis Hoppe; and his sisters, Clarice Ulland, Olive Bohn, Fern VanAlstine, and Ruth Cohen.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of HIA Hospice and the caregivers and staff at Valley Senior Living on 42nd for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Pat and his family.

Pat will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, farmer, and neighbor. He lived a life of hard work, humility, and service. He will be missed.

A service to remember and celebrate Pat's life will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00pm at the Havig-Heen Auditorium Chapel at Valley Senior Living on 42nd St., in Grand Forks, ND (please use the front/main entrance). Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to services with refreshments to follow. Burial will take place at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery West in Buxton, ND, at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Pat asks that you please consider making a donation in his memory to HIA Hospice or the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Links to make a donation may be found below.

HIA Hospice

Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery