Fr. Jerald Finnestad

Reverend Jerald L. C. Finnestad was born September 5, 1946, to Harlan “Jack” and Clevia (Hursey) Finnestad in DeKalb, Illinois. Fr. Jerry passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at St. Catherine’s Living Center, Wahpeton, ND. Visitation will be on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 6 pm to 7 pm, with a prayer service at 7 pm, followed by a rosary by the Knights of Columbus, at St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton. His Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 2 pm, with visitation one hour before at the church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wahpeton.

Fr. Jerry was raised in DeKalb. Following his high school graduation, he attended Northern Illinois University. In 1966 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving overseas until 1968. Following his military service, he attended the University of North Dakota, graduating with a degree in primary and secondary education. He then entered St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Denver, Colorado.

Fr. Finnestad was ordained a transitional deacon on April 5, 1979, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 15, 1980. He served as associate pastor at St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of Nativity, Fargo, ND. He then served as pastor at Newman Center and St. John’s Church in Wahpeton, St. Mary’s Church in Grand Forks, ND, and St. Aloysius Church in Lisbon, ND. 

He retired from active ministry in June of 2020 and resided in Wahpeton. Fr. Finnestad suffered a stroke on New Year’s Day of 2021 and resided in St. Catherine’s Living Center until his death.

Fr. Jerry is survived by two nephews, Dale Kidd and John Balon; two nieces, Karen Kidd, and Beth Shaw; and many great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Clevia; sister, Darlene Balon; brother, James Finnestad; niece, Lynne Balon; brothers-in-law, Robert Kidd and Leonard Balon; and his stepfather, Tommy Rader.

Fr. Jerry was a wonderful man with a quick wit and a fantastic sense of humor. He could find joy in all things. He was an amazing chef. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday, and every year, he hosted friends for a delicious late-night meal. He loved to read, travel, golf, and spend time with family and his many friends. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

RIP – old friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John’s Church, 115 2nd St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58075 or St. Catherine’s Living Center, 1307 7th St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58075.