Norma Finberg

Norma J. “Grams” Finberg passed away Feb. 23, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Grams was born during a blizzard on Jan. 14, 1931, on the family farm in Tenstrike, Minn. She was the third of five children born to Joseph and Mina (Wenaweser) Nipp, joining an older sister and brother, with two younger brothers following. The Nipp children were instilled with a loyalty to family and a strong work ethic. Growing up, Grams was very involved in 4-H and could throw hay bales and sacks of oats with the best of them.

Grams’ parents immigrated from Liechenstein. She was proud of her heritage and was able to visit Liechenstein to meet many of her relatives.

Grams was educated in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1949. She worked as a waitress for the Markum Hotel and met her future husband, Math Finberg, at a dance. They were married on Aug. 5, 1950, in St. Paul, Minn. Their first daughter, Cheryl, was born in 1951.

Math and Norma moved to Columbia Falls in 1952. Chris, their oldest son, was born that year. Craig followed in 1957 and Cathy in 1958. Son Cary was born in 1965 and the family was complete. Grams stayed at home while the family struggled to make a living. She had her hands full as she worked long hours caring for her children. Every summer, Grams and kids would return to the farm in Minnesota. It was invaluable time spent with the Nipp relatives.

Math and Norma first leased the Columbia Bar in 1965. In 1967, Math and Norma, along with Norma and Don Blades, purchased the Columbia Bar. In 1969, Math and Norma bought out the Blades. At that time, Math worked all the night shifts and Grams worked the day shifts while taking care of all the needs of her five children.

Grams was a generous, kind-spirited person who always put the needs of others first. She never complained and was a hard worker her entire life. Her biggest joy in life was taking care of her family, always wanting everyone to come to her house and eat. She was an unbelievable cook and rarely followed a recipe.

Once her children were old enough to participate in sports and other activities, she never missed a chance to cheer them on. She was always in the stands and put in many miles crossing the state. Throughout her life, she followed basketball games with a passion. Once Craig and Cary started coaching, she became well known around the state.

Grams had become an icon at Columbia Falls High School basketball games. In March 2011, Grams was awarded the Super Fan award from the Montana High School Association.

Grams’ life was enriched with her grandchildren. Shane, Camie, Brandon and Christopher were the first grandchildren she spoiled. She often said she had perfect grandchildren. Twenty years later, she was blessed with Ciera and Cydney, and her life was filled to the brim. In Grams’ eyes, her life became even more perfect.

In 1993, Grams met Dick Collier, and he became her dancing partner for several years and has been a great companion and member of our family.

 In 2005, Grams became a great grandma to Trey and Kyler. In 2012, Marlee was born, and Chandler in 2013. This past December, Grams was excited to learn of the upcoming birth of Rice baby No. 3.

Grams was preceded in death by her son Craig in 2009, a heartbreak that never fully healed. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Math, sister MaryAnn (Jack) Puschinsky, brother Joe Nipp, sister-in-law Mary Nipp, sister-in-law Avis (Jack) Aldrich and nephew Bill Puschinsky.

Grams is survived by her companion Dick Collier; daughter Cheryl Rice and husband Dave; son Chris Finberg and wife Cathy; daughter Cathy Finberg; son Cary Finberg and wife Angie; grandchildren Shane Rice, Camie and Randy Northrop, Brandon and Jessica Rice, Christopher and Colleen Finberg, and Ciera and Cydney Finberg; great grandchildren Samantha, Kayla and Kyler Northrop, Trey, Marlee and Baby Rice, and Chandler Finberg; brother Carl Nipp and Arlyce Sipe; brother Al Nipp; sister-in-law Edith Nipp; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

“Grams, you were so loved because you loved. We meant the world to you, but you were the heart of our family and so much more. We miss you beyond words ... your impact is immeasurable.”

There will be a visitation at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls on Sunday, March 1, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A luncheon will follow at the Columbia Falls High School cafeteria. A funeral service will follow at Columbia Falls High School gymnasium at 2 p.m.

There will also be a visitation at Columbia Mortuary on Monday, March 2, 2015, from 8 to 10 a.m. A graveside service will be held at Glacier Memorial Gardens on Monday at 11 a.m. Luncheon will follow at Fellowship Alliance Church, 1025 Seventh Avenue West, in Columbia Falls.

Donations may be made to the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Fund,  P.O. Box 2732, Columbia Falls MT 59912.