Arlene Fink

Arlene I. Fink, age 91, passed away on April 20, 2012 at the Fredric Nursing and Rehab Center, Frederic, Wisconsin. She was born on September 10, 1920 in Freeport, Illinois to Frank and Mabel Balles. She was raised in Freeport until 1929 when her father died. She then moved to Des Plaines, Illinois, with her mother and brother. Previously, Arlene was active in dancing events in Freeport and was regarded as the Shirley Temple of Freeport. Arlene attended grade and high school in Des Plaines and attended some college classes in Chicago. Arlene was married to Donald B. Fink on June 24, 1939 at the First Congregational Church in Des Plaines, Illinois. Two children were born to this union: Donna and John. Arlene worked at the First Congregational Church and then at the high school in Des Plaines. The family moved to Devils Lake in Webster, Wisconsin in 1961 when they bought the Siren Home Bakery. They operated the bakery until 1969. Arlene resided at Devil's Lake until 1993 when Donald passed away. A few years later she moved to Cedarwood Manor in Webster where she lived until 2007. She then resided at the Fredric Nursing and Rehab Center until her death. Arlene loved to swim, water ski, read, and entertain her many loving grandchildren. She loved to play board games, spend time with friends and workers at the nursing home. She was active in Girl Scouts, church, Homemakers and school activities. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Balles, mother, Mabel Nelson, brother Frank Balles and husband, Donald Fink. She is survived by her two children: Donna Hagert of MInneapolis, Minnesota, and John Fink (Charlotte) of Webster, Wisconsin, grandchildren: Christine Hagert (Dan Good), Nancy Hagert, Roger Hagert, Joseph Hagert (Angie), Kimberly Ristrom (Jeff), Paula Gudmunsen (Shawn) and John A. Fink (Jennifer); her great grandchildren Jason Hagert, Kendra Jones, Carly and Abby Good, Cole and Aaron Leafgren, Trent and Dane Hagert, Frankie Knuf, Josie and Jordyn Hagert, Zack, Ben and Karlyn Ristrom, Seth and Evan Gudmunsen, Blake Winter, Dacoda, Tyler and Dillon Fink. Also survive by her nieces Gloria Dolphin, Karen Williams and Linda Seitz, Barb Fink and nephews Frank Michael Balles and Arthur Fink. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Webster, Wisconsin on April 24, 2012 at 11am (visitation 10-11 AM.) A visitation will be held Monday, April 23, 2012 from 5-8pm at the Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster.