Patricia Finseth

Patricia Finseth (Lund), age 89, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, September 26th, at Thief River Care Center. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11th, at Vernes Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh, with the Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday (October 11th) at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Born on October 9, 1935, to Thor and Ann (Moy) Lund. Patricia grew up in the Trail, Minnesota area. She attended Trail School through eighth grade and graduated from Gonvick High School in 1953. In 1954, she earned her business degree from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis.

A lifelong member of Vernes Lutheran Church, Patricia served faithfully in the Vernes Ladies Aid, contributing her time, talents, and signature hospitality to church events and community gatherings. She was also active in the VFW Auxiliary, supporting veterans and their families with the same care she extended to her own.

In 1974, Patricia began working at Inter-County Community Council, where she spent 30 years helping others and forming lasting friendships with colleagues who became like family. She retired in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication.

In 1956, Patricia married Darrell Finseth, and together they had eight children. Patricia’s life as a mother was marked by tireless devotion, resourcefulness, and a deep well of patience.

Patricia (fondly known as Patty or Pat) loved the outdoors, especially gardening and camping. During her children's upbringing, they spent many weekends at Itasca State Park. As her grandchildren grew older, she would rent a home on Pine Lake and spend a week with them, later bringing her great-grandchildren to the same lake for swimming. Throughout the years, friends and family gathered around “the table,” sharing coffee, cards, and stories. Patty often hosted holidays and enjoyed decorating for each season. Her house was filled with treasures and collectibles, including Terry Redlin plates, spoons, magnets from her many travel adventures, and photos and drawings of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Outside of work and family, Patricia found joy in bowling with her close-knit team—Joyce, Gayle, Donna, and Karen—sharing laughter and camaraderie both on and off the lanes. Together, they turned tournaments and road trips into memorable adventures, traveling across many states and even venturing abroad, always eager to learn, connect, and experience new places as a spirited team.

Patricia is survived by her children: Becky Melcher, Danny (Mary) Finseth, Beverly (Nick) Fenno, Janet (Jenny) Rand, Jill Finseth (Vici), Richard Finseth, and Michael (Roxanne) Finseth; her daughter-in-law Tracy Finseth; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren—with one more on the way. Her legacy lives on in each of them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thor and Ann; her brother, Lyle Lund, and his wife, Sharon; her niece, Karen Bushelle; her son, Randy Finseth; and her great-great-grandson, Bentlie Peterson.

Patricia’s life was a testament to resilience, generosity, and the enduring power of family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.