Edina, MN - Bert Louis Finsand, 67, of Edina, MN, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 20.

Born in Stoughton, WI, and raised in Cedar Falls, IA, his love of competition and athletics led him to play nearly every sport his high school offered. That drive carried him to Iowa State University, where he walked on to the Cyclone football team. While studying architecture at ISU, he became an enthusiastic member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and was inducted as the first Arrow Man of his future wife's sorority, Pi Beta Phi.

Bert had a sharp mind for numbers and a passion for setting goals. Those talents guided him into a long career as an investment advisor and real estate investor. Bert's civic and charitable involvement spanned decades: taking on official roles with the Republican party that culminated in serving as a national convention delegate. He jumped in as a supporter of Cancer Kids Fund, co-founding a croquet tournament fundraiser, and served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, including becoming board chair.

Alpine ski racing became a passion when his daughters entered the sport. He volunteered tirelessly at ski races and continued as a technical delegate long after his daughters' racing days. A devoted sports fan, he adopted Auburn football with gusto and recently fulfilled a bucket-list wish by attending a home game to witness the War Eagle soar.

At home, Bert expressed love the way he knew best: through food. As an avid cook he saw recipes not as instructions, but as suggestions — launching his own culinary inventions. He relished menu planning and testing ideas... no one thought twice to see him kneeling at the fireplace cooking a pork roast.

Not only did Bert share his zest for cooking with family and friends, he offered something more meaningful: his genuine warmth. He greeted friends and strangers alike with a long hug and looked for ways to lift people up. He delighted in wordplay, puns, and especially spoonerisms — where "go to bed" famously became "bo to ged."

He savored the arts, holding season tickets at the Guthrie Theater since 1982, and making a yearly trip to see Shakespeare at the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI. His musical tastes joyfully hopped from Vivaldi to The Cowsills to AC/DC without apology.

Preceded in death by parents, Mary Jane and Louis Finsand, and in-laws Ken and Evann Oelschlager. He is survived by wife Amy Oelschlager Finsand, daughters Perrie (Scott) Finsand, Meredith (Eric) Reed and Kiltie (Deric) Finsand, granddaughters Peyton and Carson and siblings Rae Marie Heard, Eric Finsand and Beth Ann (Mark) Cavanor.

Bert lived with energy, curiosity, humor and heart. His presence filled rooms, conversations, and lives — he will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Those wishing to honor Bert are invited to donate to The Alzheimer's Association or the Epilepsy Foundation.