Sue Fink

All who knew Sue Fink will agree that she was a true blessing to everyone she met. A source of unwavering strength and comfort, she faced every challenge with grace and determination. Sue lived her Catholic faith fully, constantly striving to deepen her relationship with the Lord. Through it all, she cherished her loved ones, never taking a single moment for granted. Dearly loved, she will never be forgotten.

Born on April 21, 1931, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Sue Ann was a bright light during the difficult years of the Great Depression. She was the second child of Carl “Blackie” and Lucille Stauss, joining her older sister, Marilyn, and later welcoming her younger brother, Carl. Raised in Lawrenceburg, she attended local schools and graduated from Lawrenceburg High School in 1949. Though her childhood was marked by the devastating loss of her mother, Sue’s resilient spirit and strong family bonds shaped the woman she would become.

Sue’s life took a beautiful turn when she met James Fink in June of 1949. From the moment they met, they shared a deep connection—so much so that Jim told his friends he had met the girl he was going to marry. Their love blossomed quickly, and on November 25, 1950, during a swirling blizzard, they were united in marriage at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Sue often fondly recalled her 19-inch waist on her wedding day, a detail she was particularly proud of.

Above all, Sue was a devoted mother. She and Jim lovingly welcomed six children—Michael, Dennis, Timothy, Amy, Nancy, and Judy—into their hearts and home. She embraced motherhood with warmth, compassion, and selflessness, always putting her family’s needs above her own. An active presence in her children’s lives, she frequently volunteered at St. Mary’s School and later balanced her family responsibilities with a part-time job as a technician at Gull Road Pharmacy. She also engraved trophies and plaques to earn extra income.

The Fink family moved to the Kalamazoo area in the mid-1950s, later relocating to Goshen, Indiana, in 1975, before finally settling at their beloved family cottage on Bankson Lake in Lawton, Michigan in 1989. As the years passed, Sue’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

Sue found happiness in many interests. She loved traveling, especially winter visits to her sister, Marilyn. She was an avid perch fisher, a skilled knitter, and a devoted Notre Dame football fan—never missing a game, whether on TV or the radio. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life, and she was an active member of Group 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, MI and after moving to Bankson Lake, she was very involved at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Marcellus. Sue embraced the lake life, cherishing time spent with friends and neighbors. She had a fondness for yellow roses, Italian food, and was known for stashing dark chocolate in every room of the house. Wise and frugal, she always gave great advice and encouraged others to see the bright side of life, often saying, “Time will tell.”

Sue’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. She radiated joy and selflessness, always ready to serve others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found her greatest happiness in family. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she leaves behind will forever bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Sue Ann Fink, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, surrounded by her children at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bidwell Fink; her sons, James Michael Fink and Dennis Jon Fink; her brother, Carl Stauss; and her sister, Marilyn McKain. She is survived by her children: Timothy S. Fink, Amy S. Stozicki (Vince), Nancy A. Trotter, and Judy F. Brooks. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Marcellus. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Fort Custer National Cemetery. To celebrate Sue’s life, share your favorite memories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities USA or Centrica Rose Arbor Place in her honor.

Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo | (269) 375-2900.