Norma B. Finstuen's Obituary
Norma B. Finstuen
Feb 20, 1914 -" Jan 18, 2011
Norma B Finstuen was born February 20, 1914, in Binford, North Dakota and died on January 18, 2011, in Tacoma, Washington. Norma was the second child of eight born to Nettie and Nels Halvorson. She grew up on the farm and shared lots of hard work. Even though she only completed tenth grade, she was very wise in making the most of everyday life.
She was married to Arnold Finstuen on the Halvorson home farm on June 27, 1934. It was a dusty, windy day, but a happy day. After a short honeymoon to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Arnold and Norma began married life on the Finstuen Farm, sharing the home with the mother-in-law and two young sister in-laws.
The economy of the 1930's brought about a move. That move turned out to be Tacoma, Washington. After Arnold found work, one of the first priorities was finding a church home. Arnold and Norma became members at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the fall of 1936. They were active members. Arnold died in 1996, but Norma continued to serve in the church wherever needed. She especially loved quilting, Altar Guild, and her Circle.
Arnold and Norma had three children -" Geraldine, Carol and John. Norma was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, great friend, and skilled home maker. She also worked for the Tacoma School District in the Custodial Department for many years. She worked as both Stewart Junior High and Lincoln High School as a matron who helped both teachers and students.
Norma enjoyed thirty-six years of retirement. In 1998, she took her son, John, her daughter, Carol, and son-in-law, Don, for a two week trip to Norway. She got to see the home her father lived in before coming to America around 1900, and met two first cousins, and several second cousins. It was a dream come true. She only regretted her husband was not there to share it with her. She helped her family, her friends and her church.
Her husband, Arnold, her children, Geraldine and John, have preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Carol, and son-in-law, Donald, her daughter-in-law Kappy Finstuen, of Portland, Oregon, her sisters, Gladys Beckham of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Inez Asmus of Rocklin, California, her grandchildren, Cheryl Fischer of Anacortes, Washington, Christopher (Nancy) Gray of Chehalis, Washington, David (Jessica) Gray, and Andrew (Nikki) Gray of Tacoma, Peter (Jessica) Finstuen of Bellingham, Washington, Andrew (Ingrid) Finstuen of Boise, Idaho, and Katherine Finstuen of San Luis Obispo, California, great grandchildren Rochelle and Jordan Fischer, Colten, Olivia, Lauren, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Forest, and Ruth Gray, Carl and Harald Finstuen, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, Group Health Hospice or a charity of your choice.
A family committal service will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 9:30am, at Mountain View Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 11:00am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 101 East 38th Street, Tacoma, Washington 98404. Following the service, lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited.
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