Mary Lou "ML" Fink (nee Sullivan)

Mary Lou “ML” Fink (nee Sullivan), of Mankato and St. Paul, died peacefully on July 25, 2024, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul. MN. She was 94 years old. She was born at home on the family farm near Cottonwood, MN on March 22, 1930 to Mary (Martin) and Hugh Sullivan. After graduating from Cottonwood H.S., she obtained her teaching license from St. Cloud Teacher’s College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Kimball, MN. 

In the summer of 1950, Mary Lou’s brother, Larry, introduced her to Robert “Bob” Fink, one of his SJU friends. Their courtship led to a loving marriage of 55 years. On December 29, 1951, Mary Lou and Bob married and moved to an apartment in Dinkytown while Bob attended the U of M Dental School, and ML worked part-time at the university library. After graduation from dental school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and the couple was stationed at Alamogordo, New Mexico. Upon discharge in 1958, Mary Lou and Bob moved to Mankato where Bob opened a dental practice. For the next six decades, they made Mankato their home, raising their six children and being involved in church and community, and finding time for dance and card clubs and golf. 

In 1981, Mary Lou earned a four-year teaching degree from Mankato State College, graduating at the age of 50 with a degree in elementary education, following the tradition of her mother. Throughout her life, she treasured her years as a wife, teacher, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Bob and ML were active members of St. Joseph the Worker and St. John the Baptist churches and loyal supporters of the Mankato Catholic Schools. Besides cheering on her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed time spent with her friends and neighbors on West 7th Street, South Redwood Drive, and Diamond Creek. She warmly welcomed friends in bridge and Pfeffer clubs, Mankato Newcomers, and Lunch Bunch.

Mary Lou was known to be an empathetic listener, always offering kind words and gentle guidance, especially to those in need. She lived life with a loving spirit and strong faith. Mary Lou’s sparkle and big heart will be missed. 

Mary Lou is loved and remembered by her children, Lisa Fink of Minneapolis, Kevin (Peggy) Fink of Northfield, Terese (Doug) Fink Peterson of St. Paul, Steven (Pam) Fink of Mankato, Mary (Denny) Clark of Eau Claire, WI and Kathleen Schammel of St. Paul; 13 grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Fink, Connor (Sabrina) Fink, Claire Fink, Ben Peterson, Maria (Jeff) Johnson, Joseph (Abby) Fink, Matthew (Megan) Fink, John (Meg) Fink, Sarah (Tim) Immelman, Lauren (Cullen Trobec) Clark, Nate (Maddy) Schammel, Nick Schammel and Luke Schammel; 3 great-grandchildren, Liam Johnson, Calvin Fink, and Evelyn Fink; sister, Eileen Froehle; sisters-in-law, Mary Sullivan, Luanne Schmid, Lorraine Fink, Yvonne (Roger) Leick; brother-in-law, Father Fred Fink; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob; her parents, Mary and Hugh Sullivan; brother, Larry Sullivan; sisters, Betty Ann (Dick) Haas and Joan (Phil) Schmid; father-in-law, Joseph Fink; mother-in-law; Lucille Fink; sister-in-law, Colleen (Joe) Steinke; brothers-in-law, John Schmid and Rich Froehle.

All of us are very grateful for the love and support shared with her by the Sisters of St. Joseph and friends at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, her home for the past two years. As her health changed, these friendships lifted her up. We are also grateful for the wonderful care given by her caregivers and Optage and Health Partners hospice.

Mary Lou’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Mankato, MN on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation at 9:30. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Please share a memory of Mary Lou with her family and view her video tribute at www.mankatomortuary.com

Livestreaming will be available online at www.youtube.com/@StJohnsMankatoMN

Memorials are preferred to CSJ Ministries Foundation, St. Paul Province (www.csjministriesfoundation.org); Loyola Catholic School, and St. John the Baptist Church.