Edward L. Finstad passed away peacefully surrounded by his family from complications of a heart attack and stroke on March 14, 2014 at 80 years of age.
Ed was born in Helena on February 16, 1934 and spent his entire life in the Helena area while attending school and graduating from Helena High School in 1952. After graduation Ed worked for a year as a meat cutter at the Garden Spot Market, before he found his true calling with the armed forces. After achieving his Airframe and Powerplant license in 1953 Ed began serving in the Montana Army National Guard. In 1954, he was ordered to active duty in support of the Korean War effort. He became a full time National Guard technician in 1957 becoming one of the first of full time aviation technicians. He devoted his entire working career to the support of Army Guard Aviation and retired in 1986 as a Master Sergeant.
Ed was thoroughly devoted to his family. He willingly endured long commutes so that his family could spend the entire summers camped in the mountains outside of Helena. He loved to fish, share his knowledge of area history, hike and explore the mountains. He spent 10 years travelling the Northwest as the support crew for his son Jimmy’s moto cross racing events. He was the best dad and grandpa ever, always lending a hand and an ear. He will be greatly missed.
Ed’s other great love was hunting in the Elkhorns, where he would share his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He passed along his stories and knowledge of the outdoors to any who would listen (or who he had cornered). Ed cherished spending time in his camp or cabin in the Elkhorns. After retirement, when he wasn’t hunting, Ed was a skilled woodworker and metal worker, who built iceboats, airboats and woodworking projects, but by far his greatest invention was his elk cart.
In his later years, Ed would spend forty six weeks preparing for the six weeks of hunting that he loved so much. Ed is now playing cribbage in his hunting camp and gearing up for the greatest hunt he has ever enjoyed.
Ed married Beverlee Joan Reardon (Pudgie) February 16, 1957 in East Helena. Shortly after the birth of their first child they moved to East Helena and together they raised a family of four boys, Bob, Doug, Larry, Jimmy and one girl, Lorraine. His grandchildren spent a great deal of time with him.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Beverlee and his sister Lorraine.
Ed is survived by sons-Robert (Natalie), Doug (Joanne), Lawrence (Claudena Brady), and James; daughter Lorraine, grandsons Steven (Erin), Scott, Eric, Georgia, Conan O’Sullivan (Genevieve), Jennifer, Stefanie Yamoah (Michael), Kevin and Kent Pyne, Benji and Jessica; and 7 great-grandkids, sister Jere (Ted) Dagel, stepsiblings Patricia Vonada, Delores Merganthaler, and John Hildenstab.
The family would like to especially thank nurse practitioner Kristen Jaster for her care. We also appreciate the efforts of Mary Ann and the rest of the staff at Big Sky Rehab Center and the caring staff at Rosetta House Assisted Living for providing excellent care during his last few months. Thanks to everyone who provided support and companionship through these difficult times. In addition to his children, Steven and Erin were always there for him.
A Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 18th at Retz Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the St. Ann’s Cemetery, East Helena. A reception will immediately follow the burial at the VFW Post 10010, 117 W. Main Street, East Helena. Donations in Ed’s honor can be made to the charity of your choice or the National Stroke Association. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ed.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 18, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the memorial service
Tuesday March 18, 2014
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena , Montana 59635
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday March 18, 2014
VFW Post 10010
117 W. Main Street
Helena , Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 18, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the memorial service
Tuesday March 18, 2014
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena , Montana 59635
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday March 18, 2014
VFW Post 10010
117 W. Main Street
Helena , Montana 59635
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Curtis Stanghill says
Bob,Larry, Doug, Lorraine sorry for your loss of your Dad, will send up some prayers in Alaska. May God Bless,
Bob Bennett says
Doug, Larry, bob and Lorraine,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, he was one of my favorite friends. I will always feel lucky to have had the privilege of serving with him and working for him, he was the best boss I ever had. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, I only wish I could be there for his memorial.
Joanna says
Doug, Larry, Lorraine & family,
I am saddened to hear about your dad’s passing. He was one of a kind & always brightened my day. He will be missed!
Monte & Mary Ellen Schnur says
We enjoyed knowing Ed and working with him on Elkhorn issues years back. We think of him often. He’ll always be in our memories of the Elkhorns.
Ken "Rosy" Rosenbaum says
Doug and family, your Dad is already missed after living a great life. Every time I met him he always greeted me with a big smile, a handshake, and his stories about the cabin and family. I learned more about Doug from his proud Dad than thru the many years we worked together at the AASF. Ed was one of the sharpest minds I ever met who kept himself humble and talked well of others. He was easy to like and I counted it a privelege to know him. Having lost my Dad in 1967, I can share what my Mom told me then., “There will be lots of great memories in the years ahead so recall those with a smile.” I am grateful for my memories. You will be grateful too.
Margaret Kauska says
Bob – I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May you and your family find peace in your memories.
Doug Stipcich says
To the entire Finstad family, please accept my condolences on Ed’s passing. He was a great man who I looked up to for a good number of years and am proud to be have been able to call him a friend. At this time, please try to find some comfort in knowing that he is no longer feeling the frustration and angst that I observed in him during a recent visit I had with him. He will be missed terribly, but we also should remember that we have truly been enriched by having him be part of our lives. Once the huge hole that has been torn in each of our hearts begins to heal, such void will likely be filled with the precious memories that he provided for anyone that he came in contact with during his entire life. I unfortunately will not be able to attend Ed’s services tomorrow, but all of you will be on my mind. Ed may you rest in peace my friend.
Tom Kilmer says
He was a good man and a good soldier. It was my pleasure to serve with him in Montana Army National Guard aviation.
Roger Hagan says
Doug, Larry and all of the Finstad Family; My sincere condolences go out to you at this time of loss. I first met Ed in the 1970’s at the Aviation Facility and we crossed each other’s path often over our careers. Then, through family connections I met Larry and then Doug. Ed was proud of his family and, I too, was ‘cornered’ to talk about elk hunting and his awesome elk cart. He was a fine man and lived a great life. He will be missed. I wish I could make the services but will not be able to.
Pat and Laurie Loughney says
Doug and Joanne and family,
Our sincere condolences across the miles. I know his goodness is shining through all of you during your time of sadness.
Laurie and Patrick Loughney
Virginia Finstad Miller says
To all of you, Lorraine, Bob, Doug, Larry and Jimmy we are sending our sincere condolences to you and your entire families. Eddie was a very special cousin, he was always so kind and thoughtful to everyone. You may not know but Eddie spent a special day to visit all his older relatives during the holidays and brought each a plate of the Christmas cookies made by your Mom. Yummy ! We were of the same age group growing up so I have many fond memories of times together then. In Later years we drifted apart as people do, but we always had a phone call when I was back in Helena and did occasionally get together. I’m glad he’s now in a better place and no more handicaps to endure. Virginia (Finstaf) and Virgil Miller
maureen finstad says
Bob,Larry,Doug,Jimmy and Lorraine: So sorry for your loss. There is nothing I could say that would ease your pain, only time will help. Your Dad was so good to me when I had my tumor removed in Gt.Falls. He came over and sat with Virginia (my sister) until they finished. Then he would come over for the day and sit with me while Virginia came home to Helena to check on the house. He brought me home and your mother sent in a beautiful dinner for me and Virginia. When we were kids we always played together and my dad (Maurice) Eddy (his dad, Uncle Lowry) and myself would spend hours playing cards. I will also miss Eddy and I feel so bad I wasn’t there to help him. My prayers are with you and I know Eddy is happy in his new place.
Kelly and Traci says
Jimmy – so sorry to hear about your dad. Know that he is in a better place now. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Barb Hamlin says
To Lorraine and the boys, I was so very sorry to hear of Eddy’s passing. I have lots of fond memories of visiting your home with Pudgie and Eddy. He is with the love of his life now so, I know he is where he wants to be. I know the pain and sorrow you all are feeling, and only time can help heal this loss. He and Pudgie always made anyone who was around them feel like family, he will be missed. Take care and seek comfort in all the wonderful memories you will always hold in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Glosser Family says
My sincere condolences to the family. I regret not having the opportunity to spend more time with Ed. The few times I did will be lasting memories. He was of excellent character, compassionate and very generous. His love for the outdoors was genuine and he was always in good spirit when he could be with his family and friends up in the hills. It’s sad to see the “good ones” move on but I’m convinced he is in a better place.
Wayne Middlestead says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I have alot of great memories of spending time with you all and your Dad. I loved flying with him over the elk horns. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts are with you all.
Wayne and Della
Buddy Jenkins says
I never new Ed real well but I remember going hunting with Larry once and Ed was driving. We spun out on a hill and tried it a few times. Finally, he backed down and said hold on and we spun around a backed up the hill and made it over the top. I was kinda revved up over the thrill ride but Ed just casually remarked he was glad we didn’t hit any rocks. Later that day he shot a nice buck at about 250 yards. I remarked that it was a great shot and Ed was a little upset because he was aiming for the eye and hit an inch low. Not a real outspoken person but a man that earned respect by his actions. He will be missed. My condolences to all of the kids.
Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
Your Mom and Dad were such a special part of my life. My thoughts are with you all. Love to you all. Sandra