Adam Loren Finseth was born 12 March 1983 in Faribault, Minnesota, to parents Brad and Brenda. When he was only a few years old, his family moved to Rochester with his new sister, Amber. He grew up there and attended John Marshall High School, graduating in 2001. Adam was extremely active in sports and loved the outdoors. He loved hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing, and if there was an option, he could always be found swimming in any available body of water. Adam was full of life and positivity, which he exuded everywhere he went with whomever he was around.

Adam had a servant’s heart and made the decision to begin his career in service by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served with the storied 101st Airborne Division. This was a tumultuous time in the nation’s history, less than two years removed from the attacks on 9/11, but that is a testament to Adam’s strength of character. To volunteer at such a time, not ultimately knowing where that decision would take him, exhibits Adam’s bravery and selfless mentality. Adam found tremendous success as a decorated soldier, achieved the rank of staff sergeant, and was often sought after by senior leadership for responsibilities far beyond his purview. Adam completed two tours in Iraq, spending 12 months in country on his first tour and 15 months on his second tour, as part of the historic “Iraq surge” in 2007-08. Adam was an extraordinary soldier, an even stronger leader, and was universally respected by everyone he served with.

Beyond his accolades and service, Adam was most proud of his family. He was a dedicated, loving husband and father who is survived by a remarkably devoted wife, Tara, and their two children, Liam and Nora. Adam took great pride in being present for his family and always wanted to be involved with family togetherness to build a loving environment through an active lifestyle.

Adam earned his fire science/paramedic degrees and served with various fire departments until February 2019, when he earned his dream job with the Burnsville Fire Department. He was incredibly proud to be a part of the team and to continue his love for helping others in his work there. Adam always had the first in, last out mentality. He made sure to check on all his teammates at the department and was very active in the health and wellness committee. He was truly selfless, always making sure everyone else was healthy and strong while constantly working on himself. He loved his work and, although he was humble about all his accomplishments, he was sincerely proud and is a hero to his community.