Richard N Fink

Richard “Rich” N. Fink, 73, of Sparta, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse. He was born November 10, 1943 to Guy and Emma (Riley) Fink in Iowa City, IA.

Following high school, Rich joined the U.S. Navy eventually retiring as a Senior Chief. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a BS in journalism. After college, he worked as a technical writer. He married Janice Every on May 17, 2002 in Onalaska, WI.  Rich loved dogs and could fix anything. Rich had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. He liked motorcycles and was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Rich is survived by his loving wife, Jan; children, Heidi and Jamie; grandchildren, Jacob, Kaleb, Emma, and Alania Fink and Megan and Kyle Vance; and a great-grandson, Jackson Fink. He is further survived by his siblings, Georgia (Ed) Rohret; Mike (Judy) Fink and their children Lance and Michael Jr. and their families; and a special friend, Erin Wulf.  He is also survived by his Mother-in-law, Dorothy Every; sisters in law, Jackie (Chuck) Wallace and Sharon “Shaz” Kjos; brothers in law, Dennis (Mary) Every and John Every; nephews, Craig (Amy) Every and Hunter Wallace; nieces, Penny (Jeff) Alibrandi, Brittany Geary and Brianna Geary; great nieces, Riley Every, Nina Alibrandi; and great nephew, Jackson Every.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Emma and father in law Clayton Every.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, at First Lutheran Church, Onalaska, with Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 will follow in Onalaska Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to call from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and at the church on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be offered to Rich’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the following: Monroe County Animal Shelter, 10714 WI-16, Sparta, WI 54656; Coulee Region Humane Society,911 Critter Ct, Onalaska, WI 54650; Freedom Honor Flight, PO Box 505, La Crosse, WI 54602.

On behalf of Rich’s family, we extend a sincere thank you to the ICU staff at Mayo/St Francis and Dr. Deyo.  To our very best neighbor Sally Smith a heartfelt thank you.  Pastor Karyn, thank you for all your love and support during those difficult hours.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved Springer Spaniels, Tucker, Cassie and Mike.  Brownie and Mr. B greeted him at the rainbow bridge.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

 Service Information