Kenneth R. Finstad, age 81, of Hayward, WI, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.

Kenneth Roger Finstad was born January 10th, 1943, in St. James, MN, the son of Hjalmer “Jim” and Florence (Beckius) Finstad. He grew up on a farm in rural Hanska, MN and was confirmed at Albion Lutheran Church in Albin Township. He attended a one room schoolhouse that had no indoor plumbing or running water and required a hand pump to bring water into the building.

While growing up Ken worked several odd jobs during his years on the family farm. He also helped neighborhood farmers with bailing hay, pulling weeds, and anything else that was needed. Oftentimes he needed to stay home to help with the fall harvest. Ken graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1961.

After high school, Ken attended Mankato State College for one year. He began his professional career by taking a job in downtown Minneapolis where he spent a couple of years working at a bank and insurance company. Ken ultimately graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in 1964.

In 1965, Ken started working for a small independent lumber yard in Siren, WI. He worked for Consolidated Lumber Company/Arrow Building Center from 1963 to 1993 and during that time, he managed lumber yards in Milltown, Siren, River Falls and Hayward. He finished his career at Durand Builders Service in Durand, WI where he worked from 1993 until he retired in 2010.

Ken and his family moved to Hayward in 1974. While living in Hayward he was a member of the Bass Lake Fire Department and served on the Hayward School Board. He was instrumental in passing the referendum to build the current high school.

He was extremely active with the Hayward Sports Center for many years and served on its board. During his time as president, he led the installation of the first artificial ice system as well as other upgrades for the facility.

In his spare time, Ken enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, lawn work, and landscaping. He found any excuse he could to ride his John Deere Lawnmower. He enjoyed watching his Minnesota Vikings as well as any level of hockey. He loved to watch his boys play hockey and other sports as they grew. The tradition continued with his grandchildren as he watched them play hockey, soccer, volleyball, and other activities from their beginning years and into their college athletics.

Ken was preceded in death by his father in 2000 and his mother in 2001 and his brother-in-law, Larry Johnson.

en is survived by his two sons, Jeff (Dana) of McFarland, WI and Scott (Jennifer) of Baldwin, WI; five grandchildren, Amanda (Josh) Gademke of Waupun, WI, Alexa (Brad) Beran of Cedarburg, WI, Stefanie (Chris) Carlson of Wausau, WI, Hailey and Gavin Finstad both of Baldwin, WI; seven great grandchildren which he felt blessed to have; longtime partner, Laurie Graning who was there to assist him when he fell ill; three brothers, Dennis (MaryAnne) of Jackson, MN, Richard (Becky) of Clear Lake, IA, Howard (Sharon) of Hanska, MN; two sisters, Phyllis Johnson of Excelsior, MN, Colleen (Ron) Kibbon of Hampton, NE; and several nieces and nephews as well.

A memorial service celebrating Ken’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hayward with Pastor Dirk Jenson officiating. A time of gathering will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.

Last Update: Oct 20, 2024 2:17 pm CDT