Melvin Gorden Finstrom

Melvin Gorden Finstrom, age 86 of Buxton, ND, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2012 as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Melvin was born on August 17, 1926 to George and Mabel (Sommerfeldt) Finstrom in rural Hillsboro, ND. He grew up in rural Buxton and attended school Common #1, rural Buxton. He was a CPL in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952 during the Korean War. On August 23, 1952, he married Lorraine Knudsvig. To this union five children were born. Lorraine passed away February 17, 1972. Melvin married Celeste Nettum on August 18, 1975. He farmed, operated heavy equipment and drove semi for a living. He was a truck driver for over 60 years driving for Bertsch Trucking, Britton Trucking, and self- employed. He especially enjoyed hauling for Central Valley Bean Cooperative and working alongside his son Gene. He was an active member of Ny Stavanger Free Lutheran Church, Buxton. He was a lifetime member of the Buxton VFW Post 5133. He loved collecting coins and pottery. His passion was to share his collection with others. He is survived by sons: Gene (Rose), Buxton; Dale (Cris), Fertile, MN and Guy (friend Nancy Sandahl), Thief River Falls, MN and daughters: Linda (Lloyd) Kuster, Grand Forks and Lori (Mark) Molstre, Lake Stevens, WA; step children Merlyn Nettum, Llarrie Nettum and Patty Stout; 18 grandchildren: Dawn Linder, Darren Linder, Gretchen Tinjum, Matthew Finstrom, Laura Finstrom, David Finstrom, Nichole Kuster, Luke Kuster, Justin Kuster, Tyler Kuster, Jessica Molstre, Joshua Molstre, Isaac Molstre, Cassandra Molstre, Abigail Molstre, Karisa Carter, Laura Carter, Rachael Finstrom; great grandchildren: Donavan, Dalton and Devon Linder, Drake and Vivian Tinjum, McKenzie, McKayla, Elijah, Isabel and Ezekiel Finstrom, Madelynn Kuster, Gavin, Dylan and Emily Carter. Melvin is survived by one brother, Alton (Pat) Finstrom, Grand Forks, ND and one sister, Ruth Cohen, Grand Prairie, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, brothers Luverne Sommerfeldt, Francis Hoppe, Earl Finstrom and sisters, Clarice Ulland, Olive Bohn, and Fern VanAlstine. FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Ny Stavanger Free Lutheran Church in Buxton, ND. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. in Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for the hour prior to the service at the church. INTERMENT: Immanuel North Cemetery, Buxton, ND.