Milton "Bud" Fink

MILTON "BUD" FINK was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota on February 12, 1925 to Joseph and Grace (Milton) Fink and died on November 6, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne, Minnesota at the age of 96. He spent his childhood in South Dakota, first on the Crow Creek Reservation and later in Pukwana. His father was a farmer and his mother, a teacher.

He said he had a good childhood. He had a dog and a pet pig. He could hammer as many nails as he wanted into the garage walls. He had an account for candy at the general store and he could go wherever he wanted as long as he was home for supper. He enjoyed riding horseback with his cousin, Polly, on her parents’ ranch near the Missouri River. Riding among the rattlesnakes was allowed. Crossing the river was not.

When Bud was 13, the family moved to northern Minnesota. He helped his father do logging with horses and also became an avid deer hunter. When their parents were away, Bud and his sister, Peg, enjoyed going to dances at Squaw Lake. They drove a Model T and usually had a flat tire along the way. Bud graduated from Northome High School in 1943.

In the late 40s, Bud came to help his uncles on their farm north of Beaver Creek and never left Rock County. He married Nell Timmer on February 25, 1950 and they bought a farm west of Luverne in 1957. They lived there for 62 years. Bud enjoyed raising cattle and also enjoyed his horses and dogs and barn cats. He never carried photos of his family in his wallet but always had a photo of his mule, Ruthie. He built buggies and sleighs and refinished old furniture. He enjoyed auctions and zinnias and spaghetti. He liked most people and their stories. He especially enjoyed tall tales and downright lies. He was a hard worker and a nice guy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Peg, infant brother, James, and wife, Nell. He is survived by his family of women, daughters, Patricia (Peter) Body of Luverne, and Marcia (Ira) Dahlman of McKinney, Texas, three granddaughters, one great-granddaughter; one sister-in-law, and four nieces.

A private family burial is planned.