Wilfred C. Fink

Wilfred (Willie) C. Fink, 81, 608 N. Damon Street, Athens, died Wednesday, August 20, 2003, at his home, under the care of Ministry Health Care Hospice, Marshfield, after a long battle with cancer. He was born October 28, 1921, in the town of Halsey, son of the late Karl and Clara (Haydam) Fink. On November 6, 1943, he married Emily Smola at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. She survives. Willie farmed, worked in construction, and owned his own trucking business with the CB handle "Iron Mule". He enjoyed fishing, hunting, car and snowmobile racing, trips to Canada, out west, to Alaska, and the Michigan International Speedway for the Pepsi NASCAR race. He especially enjoyed his family and grandchildren. Survivors besides his wife, Emily, include three daughters, Sue (David) Belter, Athens, Patti (Michael) Knab, Merrill, Nancy (Rick) Ewan, Athens; three sons, Dennis (Nancy) Fink, Marathon, John (JoAnn) Fink, Wausau, Ed (Karla) Fink, Athens; 27 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 17 great - grandchildren; six step great - grandchildren; one sister, Charlotte Fink, one brother Lawrence Fink, both of Woodruff; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert (Butch) Fink, Raymond (Fuzzy) Fink, and two grandchildren. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2003 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service, 7:30 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Dad, you fought long and hard with so much courage. We love you and will miss you. Pallbearers for the service were, Todd Belter, Brian Knab, Scott Fink, Christopher Ewan, Chad Fink, and Matt Fink.