Obituary | Ronald (Ron) Allan Fink, 83, of West Bend, Wi

December 12, 2024 – West Bend, Wi – Ronald (Ron) Allan Fink passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at New Perspective in West Bend, WI at the age of 83 years old.

Ron was born on June 26, 1941 in Yankton, SD, the son of Fred & Lucille Fink.  He grew up in Delmont, South Dakota, and after graduating from Delmont High School in 1959, Ron was eager to leave his farm upbringing behind and followed his sister and brother to West Bend, WI where he became employed at the West Bend Company for 43 years.

Ron met his future wife at the West Bend Company too, Rosemary (nee Thorn).  They married on August 17, 1963, and raised four children.  Ron’s childhood instilled in him hard work and dedication.  With the help of his wife in 1970, while still employed full-time, Ron started his own business (Ron’s Appliance Repair) which he worked in the evenings and Saturdays until his well-deserved retirement in 2007.

During his working years, Ron had little time for himself but made family a priority.  Annual family vacations to his hometown are cherished memories of his children.  Most weekends, their house became a gathering place of family, friends and neighbors and Ron made sure no one went home thirsty or hungry.

In retirement, a favorite past-time was visiting out-of-state relatives and friends with strategically planned casino stops along the way.  Woodworking also became a passion of Ron.  He spent countless hours in his workshop in the garage or basement working on projects and giving them away.  He could fix anything and took great pride in his work; never hesitating to help anyone who needed it.  

Ron had a strong faith in God that guided him throughout his life.  He had a gentle demeanor and calming presence.   He loved being surrounded by family.  His grandchildren especially brought him great joy.  

Ron was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Rosemary; four children, Jeff; Debra (Scott) Roffers; Tammy (Brian) Cerniglia; Bonnie (Larry Sterr) Rindt; and his grandchildren, Eric, Cody, Spencer and Caylee Cerniglia, and Natalie (Nathan Kassens) and Nathan Roffers; and great-grandchildren.  Ron is further survived by his sisters, Doris Lippert, Maxine (Lance) Smith, Myra (Dale) Gunnare, and Marcia (Mike) Miller; brothers-n-law Kenneth (Shirley) Thorn, Robert (Bernadette) Thorn as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter (Pamela Lynn), brother-in-law (Lester Lippert), and brother (Wayne Fink).

Funeral services for Ron will be held on Saturday, December 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church (140 N. Seventh Avenue, West Bend, WI  53095).  Family will greet relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until noon with a memorial service immediately to follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of New Perspective for their assistance and care given to Ron this past year, Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care this past month, Pastor Carmie Aderman for her spiritual support, and Pastor David Schoob for the prayers and support he provided to Ron and his family.

Schmidt Funeral Home has been entrusted with Ron’s arrangements.  Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.