Obituaries in Fond du Lac, WI | Fond du Lac Reporter (2024)

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”-Hebrews 12:1-2

These words eloquently capture the life of Lee Brian Fink, who courageously battled cancer, amongst additional health concerns, for over six years. Through several diagnoses, treatment plans, and hospital visits, Lee continued to run his race with perseverance –his faith never wavering, always confident and trusting his Creator’s plan. He “ran in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Early in the morning of Thursday, May 23rd, Lee crossed the finish line and entered the gates of heaven. Ending his long-standing suffering, he passed peacefully at home and met his Heavenly Father in eternal glory. Where many would consider this to be a lost battle with cancer, Lee knew this was quite the opposite. This was a win, a victory to be welcomed home.

Lee was born to Robert and Yvonne Fink on January 11, 1967 in Fond du Lac, WI. He was the youngest of four children, following behind Debra of Watertown, Pamela of Burlington, and Alan of Waupun. Lee graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1985 and UW- Stevens Point in 1989. Following his graduation, Lee explored a career with several insurance agencies before finding a long-term fit with West Bend Insurance, where he began in 2007 and worked as a Claims Manager until his passing.

In 1993, Lee married Colleen Amerling and raised Cassandra of Appleton, WI and Emily of Fond du Lac, WI. Together, they built a home in Eden, WI where Lee enjoyed hunting, maintaining the land, and playing with his two Golden Retrievers, Hudson and Finley. There were many things that brought Lee joy, but simply being on his property in a tree stand was atop of his list.

Throughout his lifetime, Lee enjoyed several trips, both with his family and his friends. Whether he was on a tropical beach, a Canadian fishing boat, or a pair of water skis in northern Wisconsin, Lee knew how to bring the party to any destination. He was a constant jokester, a true believer that life should never be taken too seriously. Those who knew him best will remember him cracking quippy one-liners while flashing a wide, genuine grin.

When he wasn’t sorting through insurance claims or caring for his property, Lee could be found riding the waves of Lake Winnebago on his boat, testing the just-frozen-ice of any local lake for some prime fishing, driving “Ole Blue” around town, perfecting his putt, or strolling the aisles of Fleet Farm, seeking a deal on the latest hunting or fishing gadget. He was also an avid athlete who coached his daughters’ basketball teams and competed in local running events.

While the outdoors were definitely his happy place, Lee found great comfort and solace as a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. He was a testament to remaining faithful, even while enduring earthly challenges. He always let his light shine and praised his Heavenly Father, even as he was called home.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Robert. He is survived by his wife Colleen and his daughters, Cassie and Emily Fink. He was blessed to be loved by many, but had a special connection with his nieces and nephews, especially Ben Landvatter, with whom he worked and shared a deep love of the outdoors, and Megan (Landvatter) Neisius, who communicated with him primarily using GIFs from The Grinch and who aspired to drop a water ski every summer, just like her uncle.

Thank you to those who granted comfort and support as Lee waited to be called home. Those final visits and phone calls were filled with such love and truly provided peace and joy during a truly turbulent time. Lee knew how much he was cared for, and the depth of his support system was on full display in those final weeks. We sincerely appreciate every visit, phone call, text, and card that was received. Thank you for being our village as we said goodbye and continue to grieve a beloved husband, dad, son, brother, uncle and friend.