Yvonne J. Fink

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”-James 1:21 The above passage demonstrates God’s love for his children, even amid adversity, of which Yvonne Joyce Fink had plenty the last several years. Losing her husband and her son in consecutive years, and overcoming numerous health issues, including both sepsis and pneumonia, Yvonne was given her heavenly crown on the afternoon of May 9, 2025 when she fell asleep for a nap and awoke in the everlasting embrace of her Heavenly Father. While there were many awaiting her homecoming, the two her heart had yearned for in her final days–husband Robert Fink and son Lee Fink–were undoubtedly there to welcome her and tell her to “oh, go on” through the pearly gates. Yvonne was born to Walter and Freida Urban on March 4, 1931, in Fond du Lac, WI. She was the fifth of six children, with three older brothers (Reginald, Steven, and Quinten) and one older sister, Janet, and one younger sister, Anita, of Fond du Lac, WI. Yvonne graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1949. Following her graduation, she worked for the telephone company as an operator and provided administrative office support for the Boy Scouts of America. In 1959, Yvonne married Robert (Bob) Fink. Together, they raised four children: Debra (Neil) Landvatter of Watertown, WI, Pam Kerr of Burlington, WI, Alan (Sally) Fink of Waupun, WI and Lee (Colleen) Fink of Eden, WI. Finding fulfillment in her children and recognizing the importance of her role at home, Yvonne left her career to care for their children and support her husband when he opened his own garage as a mechanic. While she may not have been working a 9-5, Yvonne maintained a robust social calendar and was well-known and loved in her community. Her sense of style was appreciated among her friends and she was known for complementing every outfit with a brush of lipstick and her signature clip-on earrings. While home, Yvonne could often be found in the kitchen baking sweets for various functions or preparing her famous German potato salad, which was requested at every potluck she attended. When she wasn’t busy caring for her children or preparing for the latest social event, Yvonne enjoyed singing in her church choir and volunteering for local organizations, such as the Galloway House. With faith grounding her, Yvonne remained a faithful member at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (and always had a Lemon Drop to share during the offering) until God called her home. Later, when Bob retired, Yvonne enjoyed traveling–both nationally and internationally–with her husband. She cherished her time with her eight grandchildren, who included: Josh (Krysta) Kerr, Nathanial (Kelsey) Kerr, Sam Kerr, Caroline Kerr, Megan (Sam) Neisius, Ben (Hannah) Landvatter, Cassie Fink, and Emily Fink. She looked forward to visits with her seven great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Tucker Kerr, Peyton and Hayden Kerr, Eli and Olivia Neisius, and Ava Landvatter. The weeklong annual family vacation to the northwoods, lovingly dubbed “Finkfest”, was a favorite tradition for Yvonne, who rarely relaxed on her “vacation” and could often be found consolidating leftovers into Cool Whip containers and organizing her shoes in repurposed bread bags. Nevertheless, she enjoyed every minute of the week with her family and, when given a log at an appropriate height, she could be caught with her feet up around the fire and a smile on her face. While Yvonne had many defining characteristics, she will be remembered for her “hostess with the mostest” attitude (she was always ready to offer her guests some “snackies”, even in assisted living when all she had was stale gummy bears) and her witty remarks. She lacked a poker face, but had a knack for storytelling. Though she enjoyed her evenings out (like the Friday night dinners she and Bob shared together every week), Yvonne found great joy and comfort in being home with her family and watching classics, such as Lawrence Welk. Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents Walter & Freida Urban, in-laws Alvin & Rose Fink, husband Robert Fink, son Lee Fink, sister Janet Urban, brothers Reginald Urban, Steven Urban, Quinten Urban, sisters-in-law Pat Fink, Mary Jane Johnson, Marjean Urban, & Hedi Urban, brothers-in-law Neal Johnson, Gordon Curtis & Gordon Jenkin. She is survived by her children, sister Anita Curtis, sister-in-law Audrey Urban, and brother-in-law David Fink. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Woodlands Assisted Living, St. Agnes Hospital, and St. Francis. Those who wish to celebrate Yvonne and her immeasurable impact in the community are invited to a visitation on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Kurki Funeral Chapel, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac. There will be a final visitation opportunity at 9:00 AM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1600 South Main Street, funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Peter Lindemann officiating. Burial will follow at Rienzi Cemetery. Memorials in remembrance of Yvonne can be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Senior Choir, the American Cancer Society, or the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation, which will benefit those impacted by this rare genetic disorder, including Yvonne’s great-grandson, Eli Neisius. Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, on-line guestbook can be found at www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420

Yvonne J. Fink

March 4, 1931 - May 9, 2025