BOONE, Iowa—Richard A. Finnestad, 84 of Boone, passed away early Sunday morning, July 17, 2022 with family members by his side.
Richard was born, December 13, 1937 at home in Laurens, Iowa the youngest son of Christen and Ida (Birke) Finnestad. He graduated from Laurens High School in 1956. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Buena Vista University and a Master’s from the University of Northern Colorado.
Richard married Carolyn Stevens on June 18, 1966 in Thompson, Iowa. They lived briefly in Thompson, Coon Rapids, and Estherville, before coming to Boone in 1970 where they made their life-long home.
Richard was a very strong advocate for education and his career in teaching and academia clearly showed his dedication and passion for the profession. He was a counselor and registrar for DMACC for nearly 30 years – most of his time spent at the Boone campus with his earlier years at Iowa Lakes in Estherville. Previous to DMACC, he was a high school math teacher and coach for the Coon Rapids and Thompson Iowa school districts. He cared about the students and was a mentor to many. His goal was truly about making sure all students were taken care of and were successful on their path to an education!
Richard was a storyteller (jokes too). Almost all of the stories were true, but with a few embellishments each time he told them and you would never really only hear a story once. If you lived near Laurens or northwestern Iowa Richard probably knew a relative, friend, or acquaintance from the area and had a story to share or a conversation to create. He never knew a stranger, that’s for sure. He liked to venture the back roads and probably knew every country road in Iowa. If you were traveling (Iowa or otherwise) he would inquire as to which way you were going because he knew a way to get there (not always the easiest or fastest though). There was always a road atlas in his car whether for necessity or a little light reading. Richard was never in any hurry and food was definitely a priority.
Richard also took great pride in his Norwegian heritage and shared many memories and traditions with his family for them to carry and pass on to future generations. He maintained connections with several relatives in Norway.
He had many pastimes, but his favorite would be sitting on his back patio enjoying the outdoors and all nature had to offer. But many others included gardening, birdwatching, driving through the Ledges, woodworking (especially birdhouses), golf, hunting, fishing, playing cards (Black Jack/Poker perhaps favorites), reading books about history or westerns, but he also didn’t miss a morning without the Des Moines Register, watching old movie channels (TMC and Clint Eastwood Thanksgiving marathon), and especially coffee sessions with his good friends.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Boone Lions Club, and the Boone Garden Club.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward (Peg); sister, Mary Ann (Don) Carlson; and brother Carrol. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of 56 years; daughters Krista (Larry) Briley, Jennifer (Leslie) Finnestad, Gwen (Donovan) Stevens and Shelley Finnestad; grandchildren Jalyn (Austin) Heeren, Jesse (Jasmine) Briley, Dayne and Reese Stevens; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel. Family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boone. Burial will be in Linwood Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the family or in care of Camp Okoboji, Trinity Lutheran Church or Boone Lions Club.
Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.
Richard Finnestad, 84, Boone, Iowa
