Elijah David Stanley Finstrom went home to be with the Lord suddenly in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the age of 14.

Elijah was born on March 30, 2008 in Fargo, North Dakota, son of David and Tiffanie (Rice) Finstrom. He was baptized at Beaver Creek Free Lutheran Church in Ray, ND by his grandfather, Pastor Dale Finstrom (Papa Dale), and confirmed at Zion Free Lutheran Church in Tioga, ND.

Elijah attended Powers Lake School since 6th grade. He actively participated in football, having fun, “regular attendance” at the principal’s office and served as freshmen class president. He made it his life mission to put a smile on everyone’s face and did his best to make them laugh. He also joyfully worked at Cenex in Powers Lake and liked helping his Great Grandma Rice on the farm (until the lawn mowers came out).

While not at school or work, Elijah enjoyed playing video games with his cousins and friends. He was well known for his great sense of humor, making people laugh and easily connecting with people of all ages to make them feel important. Together with his family, Elijah enjoyed outdoor adventures like four-wheeling, gopher hunting, snowmobiling, fishing, kayaking, airsoft wars and trips to Yogi Bear Campground. He had an entrepreneurial spirit as evidenced by his ability to flip Jolly Ranchers and Milk Duds for a profit from the store walls of his locker.

As part of the Finstrom family, Elijah played many roles. To his mother, he was her muscles from hauling groceries to furniture rearranging and where he got his charming-good looks! To his dad, he was a board game opponent along with where he got his hard work ethic and humorous personality. To Isabel, he was a big brother who helped with homework, enjoyed epic dance parties and affectionately annoyed her. They also joined forces in teasing their mom about them being taller than her. To Ezekiel, he was a big brother, best friend and someone who always brought an atmosphere of joking and laughter. Together the siblings bonded over video games, monopoly and funny cat videos. The Lord also played a foundational role in Elijah’s life. His natural ability to love those around him reflected Christ in him.

Elijah’s friends were very important to him. He was known for making everyone’s day better, inventing new vocabulary like, “theamatically,” being an epic content creator, bringing his own BBQ sauce, being obsessed with eating Takis, knowing everyone and singing “B.K. Have it your way. You Rule!” He truly had a zest for life and thought his friends were bussin…no, megabussin!

Elijah is survived by his parents, David and Tiffanie (Rice) Finstrom; sister, Isabel (12); brother, Ezekiel (10); grandparents, Dale & Cris Finstrom of Glyndon, MN, Brian & Nancy Rice of White Earth, ND, Karen & Robert Pennings of Warrens, WI; great-grandparents, Ardis Rice of Tioga, ND, Gerald Copes of Tioga, ND, Donna & Leo Holm of Balsam Lake, WI; aunts, uncles, and cousins, Matt (Amy) Finstrom and their children, McKenzie and McKayla, Laura Lee Finstrom, Jeremie (Amber) Rice and their children, Caleb, Caden, Carson and Camden, Bethanie (Daniel) Letch and their children, Cameron, Cabella, Hanah and Hunter, Carrie Eder, Benjamin Eder, Gracia Eder, Greta (Meriel) Lora, Candice Pennings, Daniel (Zamyre) Pennings, James (Eve) Pennings; along with numerous other dear relatives.

He was proceeded in death by great-grandparents, Stanley & Arlene Carlson of Roseau, MN, Melvin & Lorraine Finstrom of Buxton, ND, Jerome Rice of Tioga, ND, John Nelson of Balsam Lake, WI, Evelyn Copes of Tioga, ND and Hazel Johnson of Fridley, MN.

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 prayers, meals, hugs, quality time, sharing memories and countless other acts of service.