William "Bill" Fink

William “Bill” Fink, age 83, passed away peacefully at The Birches of Trillium Woods in care of Hospice, surrounded by the love of his family. 

Bill was born on June 19, 1942, and grew up on the family farm in Eden Valley, where he learned the values of hard work, determination, and the importance of family values that shaped the way he lived his entire life. After leaving the farm, Bill moved to the Twin Cities where he began working in construction before joining the carpenter union. He took great pride in his work and in the life he built with his own hands. Along with his career, Bill had countless side jobs, built the family home, and was always there to fix what needed fixing for family, friends, and neighbors. Helping others came naturally to him, and his willingness to lend a hand was one of the many ways he showed his love. 

Bill shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Gloria, building a life rooted in love, laughter, and devotion to family. He was a proud and loving father to Sharon, Steve and Shannon, and nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family grow. He is lovingly survived by his wife; three children; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of deep pride and happiness in his life. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Fink; his mother, Alma Fink; his brother, Joe Fink; and his brother-in-law Donald Schlangen. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Sharon (Thomas) Lissman, Steve (Cathie) and Shannon (Teresa); his grandchildren, Sam (Katie), Caitlin (Dustin) Vickerman, Allison (Will) Anderson, Isabel (Cory) Beam, Zach, Morgan, Bryson; his great-grandchildren, Kepler, Maverick, Maddyn, Carter; his siblings Doris (Frank) Meyer, Donna (Don) Simek, Pat Schlangen; and his Sister-in-law Edie Fink. 

Throughout his life, Bill built meaningful friendships in every chapter—from Eden Valley, New Hope, Corcoran, the family cabin and his time at Trillium Woods. These communities became an extended family to him.

 Bill never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation, a genuine curiosity about others, with a warm and social nature that made people feel welcome in his presence. He held strong beliefs and was not shy about sharing them, yet he appreciated the perspectives of others and especially enjoyed spirited conversations with friends of differing views—always with humor, respect, and a twinkle in his eye. 

Bill loved staying active and being outdoors taking long walks nearly every day. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the lake surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of being together. He also loved to travel and embraced every opportunity for adventure, especially during retirement. With trips throughout the US, Europe, China, India, South America and Australia. 

Bill lived by the motto, “Work hard and play harder,” and he truly did both. Though he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, he also knew the importance of enjoying life, making memories, and finding joy in the everyday moments. He will be remembered for his hardworking hands, his generous heart, his quick smile, hugs and the deep love he had for his family.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday June 4th at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 155 County Road 24, Wayzata, MN 55391. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and Mass at 11:00 AM followed by lunch at the church. There will be a private burial at HNOJ Cemetery in a Columbarium when ashes are returned from the Anatomy Bequest Program at University of Minnesota Medical School. 

Bill’s life was one of dedication, generosity, curiosity and love. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Love you “Billy.”