Signe Fineid Obituary

Signe Fineid, 95, of Rochester, passed away at Seasons Hospice on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019.
    She was born on Sept. 7, 1924 in Kristisand South, Norway to Ludvig and Inger Nordkvist.  She married Tore Fineid on March 4, 1943.  
    Signe, with her husband Tore, and daughter Inger-Lise, survived German occupation during WWII and immigrated to the U.S. in 1948.  They traveled 12 days by boat and arrived in Ellis Island and then a three day train trip to Minneapolis.  
    Signe and family lived on her grandparent’s farm south of Kasson.  She learned English from a local country school teacher.  She loved sports and walked five miles a day until 85 and continued her walking until her death.  Skiing was a big part of their life both in Norway and their new home in the U.S.
    A big part of her life was sewing, knitting and baking her famous Norwegian pastries. Mom enjoyed her family immensely and being involved in their lives whenever possible. She (Nany) especially enjoyed attending her grandsons’ sporting and school events.
    Signe worked most of her life in retail and more than 20 years and retired from Dayton’s.  She loved to volunteer at Bethel Church, Pink Ladies, and for the lutefisk dinners.  She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, any kind of games and she loved to "win!"
    One of her favorite times each year was when she and Tore would visit family in Norway each summer for a month or more.
    She is survived by her daughter, Inger-Lise (Lise) and son-in-law, Lyle (Slats) Papenfuss; two grandchildren, Lynn Graham, and her two boys, Connor and Cole; and Lance Tore Papenfuss, and his three boys, Tore, Jack and Brodie.  In addition, two sisters, Lila and Liv; a brother, Eyvind; along with many nieces and nephews in Norway. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tore (Nov. 3, 2005), parents, sister Ester, and brother Kurt.
    The family expresses their appreciation for the kindness given to Signe by Seasons Hospice as they are "truly angels on earth."
    A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester with Pastor Norman Wahl officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
    Memorials preferred to Seasons Hospice, Bethel Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.
    Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Fineid family.  To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.