Russell Fink

Russell "Russ" Mark Fink, 68, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2023, after a three-month battle with leukemia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elaine, and his son, Spencer. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his children, Trevor (Maddie) and Katelyn (Carl); his grandchildren Elaine and Amelia; his brother Eric (Nancy) as well as aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and his loyal pets, Kaner, Sasha and Honey.

He was born on July 10, 1954 in Lansing, MI to Fred and Elaine Fink. Several of his formative years were spent in Nigeria where his father worked to establish the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Once back in the states, they settled in Okemos where he graduated from highschool before going on to earn a B.S. in Turfgrass Management from Michigan State University. Go Spartans!

Russ relocated with his family to Naperville, IL where he established Tamarack Golf Club and worked as a golf course superintendent. He then leveraged his mechanical aptitude to transition careers, founding the electrical contracting company, Work Perfect. He had the privilege of finishing his working years in partnership with two dear friends who remained an important part of his life through retirement. While working there, he applied his unique talents to helping businesses improve their environmental impact.

Russ found camaraderie in competitive sports and activities. Golf was his lifelong passion but playing hasenpfeffer was a close second. He also enjoyed swimming, tennis, racquetball, and sailing, having completed the Chicago to Mackinac sailing race eight times.

During his senior year at MSU, he met and fell in love with Sandy. Their love endured through raising three children, the loss of their middle child, Spencer, and ultimately Russ’ battle against cancer. Their unwavering support, mutual respect, and laughter-filled life honored the vows they made nearly 44 years ago.

Age did not dampen his intrepid spirit. He eagerly explored new hobbies including aviation, open-water SCUBA diving, and motorcycling across different parts of the country. He took pleasure in the nuances of red wine and loved opening a new bottle, especially when able to share the experience with family and friends. His infectious laugh and ability to be unintentionally yet profoundly funny (especially while playing board games and card games) will be missed.

Russ's deep affection for his family permeated every aspect of his life. He looked forward to his annual golf trips with his sons and brother and beamed with pride whenever he heard his daughter sing in a performance or even around the house. He relished his role as "peepaw" to his two granddaughters. His legacy of love, fun, hard work, and integrity endures in his family.

A celebration of Russ's life will be held at One Way Ministries 495 N Commons Dr in Aurora, IL on May 20 from 2-5 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the  'American Cancer Society Memorial Foundation Hope Lodge' in Nashville, in Russ's memory.