Wilhelm Fink, age 93, passed away April 30, 2022, at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. He was born December 30, 1928, in Bismark, North Dakota to David and Rosina (Kash) Fink. He was the second youngest of 16 children.
In 1950, Wilhelm was stationed at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor, WA while serving in the U S Navy. He loved Washington and decided to live here. He was a cement finisher and belonged to the cement mason’s union for 60 years. He still finished concrete after retirement. He also continued to make custom cement finisher knee pads that were known to last over twenty years. Cement finishers would come from as far as Seattle to buy them because they were so well made. One of his favorite hobbies was wood working in his shop making planters, bird houses, and wishing wells. He loved doing projects and making things. During crab season, you could find him out crabbing with friends in his fishing boat. He liked baking zucchini bread and cinnamon coffee cake to share with friends and neighbors. You could always find him outside especially on a nice day visiting with friends that would stop by.
He loved his family, and they were very important to him. Over the years, he kept in touch with many of his relatives all over the United States.
Wilhelm is survived by his daughters, Lois Fink Holden (James), Cathy Fink Latting; stepdaughters, Linda Thompson Swanson, Anita Moxley Anderson, Debbie Moxley; stepson, Gary Latting; grandchildren, Jason Holden, Monica Latting Williams, Craig Latting, Carlene Swanson Klein (David), Teri Swanson Simmons, Blaine Anderson, Clayton Anderson, Justin Gandy and Heather Gandy; many great grandchildren; one sister Rosina “Rose” Fink Abbate.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marian Julia Fink; stepson, David Lee Thompson; brothers and sisters, Olga Fink, Anna Marie Fink, Christine Fink, David Fink, Daniel Fink, Bertha Fink, Emilia (Red) Helfenstein, Emil Helfenstein, Hilda (Pat) Helfenstein, Frieda Helfenstein, Teddy Helfenstein, Carl Fink, Annetta “Nettie” Fink and Rueben Fink.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00, Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, with Military Honors, Pastor Jim Cannon presiding. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the American Legion Post 43, 701 Murdock St, Sedro-Woolley. His final resting place will be Green Hills Cemetery, Burlington, WA. Please share your memories of Wilhelm and sign the online guest register.
We loved Willy! We just learned of his death by reading online on 7.7.22. We would have been at his June life celebration for sure! Willy was like a member of our family. He had a heart of gold. He was a dear friend to our mother, Erna Anderson, and we will forever be grateful for his love, spoiling, and care for her. He treated all of us like family. He loved caring for his home, yard, the birds, and sharing food from his garden. He made us bird houses, bird baths, and was filled with love and passion. We are shocked, we last spoke to him in the hospital after his surgery and he was doing very well and going home soon. He will forever be a special member of our family. We love you Willy! Sue, Mark, Erik Anderson, and Sharon McLennan.
Worked with willy on several jobs.we always chatted at Fred meyers. He will be missed.
Willie was our neighbor for many years.
He would always bring us fresh crab. Narda would return the favor with homemade soups or fresh bread. Best neighbor and friend you could ask for.
He was a extremely talented woodworker.
After moving to Arizona, we enjoyed calling or getting a call from him.
Miss you Willie.
What an amazing man!! Austin and I were next door neighbors with Willy. He loved Austin so very much. He would put Austin on the bus in the mornings for me and get him off the bus in the afternoons, when he wasn’t busy. He still continued to visit us often when he was out and about on a drive. I set him and Ernie up on a date and they continued dating until her passing. His wood work will continue to brighten my yard for years to come. We will miss you sweet Willy and all your stories, your help, advice and most of all your love.
My parents lived just down the street from Wllie and myself just the other way down the street. It was always fun to drive by and say hello to him as he greeted all the neighbors with a smile and conversation. I would always see him in the grocery store. Truly a great man and R.I.P.
Willy was a dear friend who I will greatly miss. He was the kindest man I have ever known and was so full of life and energy and so quick to help others. I loved crabbing with him. We shared so really good times. RIP Wills.