Dale Elroy Finstrom, a dedicated servant of God, devoted family man, and lifelong farmer, went home to Heaven to see Jesus face-to-face on October 26, 2026, passing away peacefully at his home in Glyndon after a long, courageous struggle with his health.
Born on November 19, 1954, in Fargo, ND, to Melvin and Lorraine (Knudsvig) Finstrom, Dale’s faith journey began early. He was baptized and confirmed at Ny Stavanger Free Lutheran Church in Buxton, ND. Dale graduated from Central Valley High School in 1972. Deepening his devotion to scripture, he earned a degree from the Association Free Lutheran Bible School in Plymouth, MN, in 1974, where he met his future bride.
On August 9, 1975, Dale married his beloved wife, Crystal Ann Carlson in Wannaska, MN. Together, they established their home and farmed five miles west of Buxton, where Dale worked alongside his father and his brother, Gene, until 1988.
Dale’s life was defined by an obedient, honorable desire to serve the Lord. In the fall of 1975, he joined the Gideons International, sharing the Gospel through testimony and Bible distribution. Answering a full-time call to ministry in 1980, Dale balanced the demands of difficult farming years with his education, graduating from Mayville State College in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
In November 1986, Dale stepped in as a temporary pastor for Zoar Free Lutheran Church and the Tri-County Nursing Home in Hatton, ND. Recognizing his deep pastoral heart, the congregation extended a full-time call three months later. Dale was approved as a Licensed Lay-Pastor by the AFLC Coordinating Committee, serving faithfully in Hatton until he accepted a call to Maranatha Free Lutheran Church in Glyndon, MN. His ministry continued to expand as he served Grong Free Lutheran Church in Rollag, MN (1995–1997), and worked with the East European Mission Network (1996–2002, now known as Spiritual Orphans Network).
Committed to lifelong learning, Dale attended the Summer Institute of Theology annually. In 2004, Maranatha Free Lutheran Church granted him a four-month sabbatical to complete his seminary training. In 2005, Dale graduated from the Association Free Lutheran Theological Seminary and was ordained. In addition to serving Maranatha in Glyndon, MN, Dale mentored and shepherded a sister church starting in Ulen, MN (2005-2007). Following earnest prayer, Dale accepted a call in 2007 to serve Resurrection Free Lutheran Church in Beltrami, MN, while also assisting at East Marsh River Church in Halstad, MN (2008-2013).
Farming beautifully connected Dale to his community, his congregation, and the Bible. He had an innate ability to talk to anyone, always seeking to meet people exactly where they were with genuine warmth. A true craftsman, Dale loved working with his hands—whether he was cultivating the soil, hauling beets, driving a grain cart, or restoring five old tractors. In his later years, he turned his talents to woodworking, hand-crafting beautiful wooden bowls and gifts for his family and friends.
Whether standing in the pulpit or working in the dirt, Dale remained the exact same authentic, faithful man. Even after declining health forced his retirement from full-time ministry at Resurrection Free Lutheran Church in 2014, Dale’s missionary heart remained. He continued to preach and serve as a pulpit supply pastor for as long as he was physically able. In November 2020, Dale and Cris moved back to Glyndon to be closer to essential medical care, supported every step of the way by Cris’ unwavering, faithful love, and God-given nursing skills.
Dale had a long time to reflect on the end of his earthly life. More than once, doctors told him, “There is nothing more we can do for you,” yet the Lord was not finished with Dale’s time on earth. With great thought and intention, Dale planned his funeral, chose his casket, and even had his monument made long before his passing. The epitaph he chose for his monument reflects the conviction by which he lived: “NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT IN ALL OF LIFE THAN KNOWING AND LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
Dale is survived by his loving wife and faithful partner in ministry, Cris Finstrom; son, Matt Finstrom [Fargo, ND]; favorite daughter, Laura Lee (Andy) Olson [South St. Paul, MN]; and son, Dave (Tiffanie) Finstrom [Tioga, ND]. He is also survived by his grandchildren, McKenzie Finstrom, McKayla Finstrom, Isabel Finstrom, Ezekiel Finstrom and Joshua Olson. He is also survived by his siblings, Gene (Rose) Finstrom of Buxton, ND; Linda (Lloyd) Kuster of Grand Forks, ND; Lori (Mark) Molstre of New Hope, MN; and Guy (Nancy) Finstrom of East Grand Forks, ND, along with many other dear family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Elijah Finstrom.
A family and friends gathering to celebrate Dale’s life will be held at Maranatha Free Lutheran Church in Glyndon, MN on Friday, November 6 at 7pm with visitation starting at 5pm. On Saturday, November 7, the celebration will continue with a funeral at 11am at Maranatha Free Lutheran Church with visitation starting at 10am. Immediately following the service, please join us for lunch to enjoy some of Dale’s favorite foods. On Monday, November 9 at 10:30am, Dale will be buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery North, located 1.5 miles west and 1 mile north of Buxton, ND.
The Finstrom Family would like to extend their gratitude to all the people, both near and far, who have supported them more than they could ask or imagine during this difficult time. Thank you for your fervent prayers, love, and for being generous with your time and resources.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Maranatha Free Lutheran Church in Glyndon, MN.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.korsmofuneralservice.com/obituaries/pastor-dale-finstrom
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