Barbara A. Fink

Barbara Ann (Boldt) Fink, passed away peacefully at home with her daughter by her side at the age of 90, after a 7-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Barbara never gave up the fight, she never complained, and insisted she stay at home until her final day. With the help of her children, and the wonderful SSM Health at Home Hospice team, they were able to honor her wishes. Barbara was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 17, 1933, to Willard August “Ben” Boldt, and Sarah Jane “Sari” Heath Boldt. Barbara was an only child, and her parents adored her dearly. She attended Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, and went on to attend and graduate from Milwaukee-Downer College, with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. Barbara enjoyed helping people, and in her later years she continued volunteering at swim therapy classes at the Fond du Lac YMCA. Barbara also worked 1000’s of hours, as a volunteer at St Agnes Hospital, earning many certificates for her work. In Barbara’s earlier years, she enjoyed synchronized swimming, and in college she participated in chorus line dancing. She was an active helper throughout her life in her community. She was a member of the Gratitude Club. Barbara was an active participant in one of the largest volunteer groups the “Mouse Factory” creating a variety of small mice, to raise funds for her church. Barbara was exceptionally talented with her crafting skills and enjoyed creating many other projects. Barbara also enjoyed camping, sightseeing, watching wildlife, and square dancing with her longtime companion Norbert Ohm. Barbara had a zest for life, she had an enthusiastic sense of humor, energy, and was a pleasant person to be around, always lending an ear to anyone who needed to talk. She loved watching and rooting for the Packers. She cared deeply for her family, took immense pride in her family history, and enjoyed reminiscing. It filled her heart with joy when her son Tom moved back home from Alaska after 35 years, and her daughter Susan moved back home from Arizona after 18 yrs. Her children were all close by now, and it brought her peace. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents Sari (1975) Willard Boldt (1991), her wonderful husband Lyle F. Fink (1981), and her longtime faithful companion Norbert Ohm (2020). Her former first husband (d.1966) Dr. Elmer Robert Taake (2020). Her beautiful daughter in law Betsy M. Taake (2018) wife of her son Tom, and her beloved cat Scamper. Barbara is survived by her three children Michael Taake, Thomas Taake, and Susan Taake. Her daughter-in-law Laura Taake (Mike). Her four grandchildren who she adored and loved, Mallory Taake Belk (Mike), Lilli Taake (Tom), Michaela Drazkowski, and Jason Allwardt (Susan). Also, nine great-grandchildren. And one great great grandchild. Barbara requested that there not be any funeral services. Cremation services were provided by Kurki Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Fond du Lac, WI. A private family inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum at a later date. The family asks for any donations to go to the SSM Health Hospice Health at Home in Fond du Lac, WI.

Barbara A. Fink

February 17, 1933 - November 3, 2023