Obit: Flink, Andrew Gustof (1853 - 1941)

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Surnames: FLINK DALLMAN JOHNSON UECKER STARK BERGSTROM FALK ANKLAM HUEBNER GETNER OLSON

----Sources: Scrapbook of History Buffs, article dated 1941

Flink, Andrew Gustof (21 Jan. 1853 - 2 May 1941)

Died, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Dallman, in Milwaukee, on Friday, May 2, Andrew Gustof Flink, age 88 years. Andrew Flink was born in Wonga, Skaraborg state, Sweden, Jan. 21, 1853. Here he met and married Mathilda Johnson on August 15, 1878, and a year later they came to America, residing in Illinois until 1880 when he came to Unity, working first at the mill in Romeo and soon after purchased the land which has long been known as the Flink farm. By frugality and hard work he soon was out of debt, reared a large family and educated them in our public schools. Some years ago, the work of the farm becoming too heavy he purchased a home in the village which he has occupied since, spending his winters with his daughters in Milwaukee. Only those who have knowledge of those pioneer days can realize just the hardships these first residents underwent. A day’s work was from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and farm work came after, but Mr. Flink went through it all until he became successful. Mr. Flink was one of the early organizers of his church, and it was at his home that the first Lutheran congregation was organized in 1900, and he was elected its first deacon, and since that time he has held various offices and been a liberal contributor. In our community he has always had the respect and confidence of the people who honor him for his sturdy honesty, integrity, and Christian character. To him and his beloved wife who survives him, twelve children were born, of whom nine survive him, six sons, August, William, Carl, John, Oscar, and Theodore, and three daughters, Mary (Mrs. Wm. Dallman), Jennie (Mrs. Herman Uecker) and Ella (Mrs. Sam Stark); 22 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the home and 2 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran church, and he was borne to his grave by his six sons, August, Carl, William, John, Oscar and Theodore, and the flower girls were their wives. The church was completely filled with sorrowing friends and relatives. Those from out of town who were here to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dallman, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Dallman, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Uecker and son, Norman; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Flink and Janet and Robert, all of Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs. August Flink, Mrs. Andrew Bergstrom and son, Gordon, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Flink, Mr. and Mrs. John Flink, Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Falk, Mrs. Louis Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Flink, Clintonville; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flink, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Flink, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Flink, Mrs. Leonard Anklam, Mrs. Anna Flink, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Flink, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huebner, all of Marion; Mr. and Mrs. Clause Flink and daughter, Minnie, of Symco; and Mr. and Mrs. George Getner and daughter of Sugar Bush. The internment was at the Lutheran cemetery, the Rev. J. A. Olson, pastor of the church, officiating. After the services the family and visiting relatives were served lunch at the I.O.O.F. hall by the Rebekahs of which Mrs. Stark is a member.