Joanne Margaret Finstrom

Joanne Wolden Finstrom, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the age of 93 at Valley Senior Living on 42nd in Grand Forks, ND. Joanne was born on April 11th, 1933, in Mayville, North Dakota, to Joseph and Mabel Wolden. She grew up in Mayville alongside her brothers, Kermit and Milton, and her sisters, Viola, Claire, and Lois. She graduated from Mayville High School.

On December 15th, 1951, Joanne married the love of her life, Alton "Pat" Finstrom. Together they built their lives on their farm in Buxton, North Dakota, where they raised their three children: Steven, Debra, and Dawn.

Joanne was known for her strong work ethic and her caring nature. She worked as a nurse's aide at Hillsboro Hospital, where she compassionately cared for others. She later worked in housekeeping for Hillsboro Hospital, the nursing home, and the Hillsboro Clinic. In her later years, she continued serving others by cleaning homes for five local families, taking pride in her work and the friendships she built along the way.

Joanne had many hobbies and interests including; baking, crocheting, gardening, reading, sewing, and spending time with Pat and the family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mabel Wolden and Pat, her beloved husband of 74 years, her brothers and sisters.

Joanne, will be remembered for her devotion to family, her quiet kindness, and her willingness to help others. Her gentle spirit, dedication, and loving heart touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all. She is survived by her children, Steven (Judy) Finstrom, Debra (Myles) Jensen, and Dawn (Kirk) Waslien, along with nine grandchildren; Chas (Brendan) Thompson, Chris Finstrom, Nick (Mike) Simone-Finstrom, Jeremy, Josh (Sarah) and Jake Jensen, Andy, Brady and Cody Waslien, six great-grandchildren; Zoe Kulzer, Brayden and Kolby Thompson, Jada and Jace Jensen, and Thea Simone-Finstrom, nieces, nephews and friends who will cherish her memory.

A celebration of Joanne's life will be held at Valley Senior Living on 42nd in the Havig-Heen Auditorium on Thursday August 27, 2026, with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. The burial will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery West, Buxton ND at 3:30 p.m.