Patricia Louise Fink

     Patricia Louise Fink passed peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
     She was born on Veteran's Day in 1929 to Hilary and Mary Hafner and spent most of her life in her hometown of Fowler. Graduating from Fowler High School in 1947, she went on to obtain a nursing degree from Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, completing her education in 1950.
     She became engaged to Ivan Fink while he was serving in the U.S. Army. They were married on December 27, 1951 and began their life together in Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. While living on base they welcomed the first of their 6 children before moving back to their home town. Patty spent many years working full time as a Registered Nurse, primarily on the night shift, but her care of others wasn't limited to her hospital shifts. She always stepped up when needed providing care to a family member, friend or neighbor, and was particularly dedicated to the needs of her parents when they reached their end of life.
     After retirement she and Ivan purchased a place in Florida, and for the better part of a decade they spent winters in the Sunshine State where they developed an active social life, attending local dances, and developing friendships.
     Known to her extended family as Patty Lou, she regularly attended reunions while making it a point to keep in touch with relatives from around the world, including many who shared her interest in family genealogy.
     Patty truly enjoyed having a good time which meant spending hours with the other couples she and Ivan were friends with. She loved traveling, her soap operas, doing the Ivan 2-step on the dance floor, and cruising Crystal Lake on their pontoon boat.
     But most of all she loved having her family around her. Their cottage was a gathering place for her children and grandchildren, and she was always able to be creative in finding impromptu sleeping spots for a dozen or more weekend guests.
     Patty possessed an infectious smile and a great sense of humor. While known for her directness and a willingness to offer her opinion on many subjects, she possessed a soft heart and an enduring compassion for others. She will be missed.
     Patty was preceded in death by her husband Edward Ivan Fink, her son Thomas Fink, her granddaughter Danielle Fink, and her parents. She is survived by her children, Mary Lil (Ken) DeLaat, Timothy (Carol) Fink, Jeffrey (Beverly) Fink, Susan (Richard) Braun, and Michael (Bonnie) Fink, her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, her sister Barbara Platte, sisters in law Alice Stump and Donna George and many nieces and nephews.
     The family wishes to thank the staff members at Country Living Senior Care and Optimal Care Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Patty.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home on Wednesday.
     Memorials may be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI or Optimal Care Hospice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.