Jody Lynn Fink, 72, passed away in his home the morning of Sunday, March 14, 2021.  After years of struggle and fighting, he passed peacefully surrounded by close family.

Jody was born on April 12, 1948 in Red Wing, Minnesota to parents Berlin and Marian Fink (Lemke) and was a lifelong resident of Ellsworth.  After graduating high school in 1966, Jody embarked on a 34 year career with the US Army, ending in retirement in 2008 as a Master Sergeant.  Jody’s love for the Army and America was a point of pride in our family and we are very thankful for his service.

Jody was preceded in death by his mother and father.  He is survived by his loving wife Jeanne; children Jerod (Kari), Molly (Ryan) Schacht, Amanda (Jeff) Brown, and Meagan (Patrick) Brown; five grandchildren: Ty, Kaylee, Harrison, Lucy and Charlie.  The Grandkids loved being around their “funny” Grandpa and making them laugh was something Grandpa was sure good at!  He is also survived by sister, Susie Sabby; along with many nieces and nephews and also great nieces and nephews.  They sure loved their Uncle Butch and he loved them.  And anyone who was ever at the house knew the affinity for a golden retriever or two running around!

Jody loved his friends and family, fishing, golfing and following Ellsworth Wrestling.  When he was able and feeling well, you might find him on a Sunday drive with Jeanne taking their Golden Retrievers for a swim in the Rush.  Jody was a fixture at the Ellsworth Country Club since its inception, rarely missing a men’s day or a nice Saturday of golf.  In the winters he spent as many days as he could on the ice trying to pull limits of panfish and if the Panthers were wrestling, you can bet him and the crew were going to be there.  And though it might have hurt him a little bit, you may have seen him sneaking a Baldwin-Woodville shirt under that Panther shirt lately!

You’ll notice a common theme of love throughout Jody’s life.  He loved a lot of people and was not afraid to express it.  We all loved him very much, he loved us very much and we will all miss him greatly.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, March 18, 2021 at O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N Grant St., Ellsworth.  Private family services will be held.  Interment with military honors will take place 11:00 AM Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com