Russel Finstrom

Russel "Red" Finstrom, 90, of Kerkhoven, passed away at his home from natural causes on April 13, 2016. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 2:30 pm at the Kerkhoven Evangelical Free Church.

Russel was born November 21, 1925 in Pillsbury Township of Swift County, the 3rd of 11 children born to Elmer and Mildred (Johanson) Finstrom.

A life-long bachelor, Red began a 59 year career with the U.S. Merchant Marines in 1946, eventually achieving the rank of 2nd Mate. He was a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, and did not retire until 2005 at the age of 79. During this time, he saw the world. But nearly every year he would come back home to help with fall harvest on the family farm, hauling many loads of grain out of the fields or to town. Red was still busy with the farm right up until his death.

Red will be remembered as an unselfish and generous man, always willing to help anyone in need. He very much enjoyed attending farm auctions and visiting over a cup of coffee. Uncle Red will always hold a special place in the hearts of his nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Carolyn Finstrom, Leslie Finstrom, Ronald Finstrom, Paulette Ruchti, Audrey Bergum, Norman Finstrom, and nephew Larry Bergum.

Surviving are his siblings Marvin (Geraldine) Finstrom of Lester Prairie; Dorothy Putnam of St. Paul; Marlys Bryan of Bloomington; Judy (Marlen) Hagen of New Hope; 14 nephews and nieces; and numerous grand-nephews and nieces.