Donald “Pete” Fink

Donald “Pete” Fink, age 78, peacefully passed away among his family July 20, 2020 at 7:50 a.m. at his New Albin residence. A Celebration of Life will be held August 1 at the New Albin Community Center. There will be an Open House from 1-3:30 p.m. with a service at 3:30 p.m. followed by a luncheon.

Due to COVID-19, face masks are optional and social distancing will be observed. If you are not feeling well, the family requests prayers only. Memorials may be made to the family at P.O. Box 155, New Albin, IA 52160.

Donald “Pete” Fink was born October 27, 1941 in New Albin to Freeman and Velma (Smith) Fink. He was baptized and confirmed in New Albin Grace United Methodist Church in New Albin. Pete graduated from New Albin High School.

September 8, 1962 he married Bernice Nelson at Caledonia Methodist Church. To this union two children were born, Jody (Kerry) Becker of Highland, IL and Lori (Ron) McCormick of New Albin.

Pete worked numerous jobs before ending his work career owning his own logging business. He spent a lot of time on the phone visiting with family and friends.

He spent time traveling with his wife but would never stop for photo opportunities. That must have been the stock car driver that was coming out in him. He felt like vacations were more of a chance to find out how fast to get there and then a faster way back.

He supported the Iowa Lottery faithfully, as did his two other brothers who just recently passed, so please do not expect to have a high jackpot any longer.

The family also enjoyed vacations camping on the river, but his main time away from working was spent at the racetrack, where he spent 21 years as a race car driver racing in Waukon, Decorah and West Union.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bernice; his first daughter, Jody (Kerry) Becker of Highland, IL, and their two children: their son, Matthew Becker, and his significant other, Alyssa Kjeldson, of Winston-Salem, NC, and their daughter, Ally Becker of Ames; his second daughter, Lori (Ron McCormick) of New Albin, and their two children: their first daughter, Miranda McCormick, and her significant other, Dustin Thorstenson, her daughter, Carlee, and their three-year-old son, Brody, and their second daughter, Morgan McCormick, and her two children, Zoey Ritchie, age five, and Bailey Ritchie, age four, all from New Albin.

Survivors also include his brothers and sisters: John Fink, Mike (Shirley) Fink, Sheila (Lloyd) Colsch, Sherry (Lennie) Mellick, Donna (Steve) Stortz and Diane (Tom) Feuerhelm; a sister in-law, Mary Fink; many nieces and nephews; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law from Bernice’s family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Velma Mack; his father, Freeman Fink; his step-father, Wally Mack; two brothers, Rodney “Occo” Fink and Lee “Joe” Fink; two sisters-in-law, Sally Fink and Donna Fink; and a niece, Shelly Fink.