Obit: Flink, Irene Mae (1926 - 2016)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Borst, Flink, Goutcher, Hanson, Henry, Hoernke, O’Leary, Schmidt, Schultz, Smart, Turek, Woik, Wootos

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 1/18/2016

Flink, Irene Mae (Schultz) (12 MAR 1926 - 17 JAN 2016)

Irene Mae (Schultz) Flink, age 89, of Colby died on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 under Palliative Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.

She was born March 12, 1926 the daughter of William and Esther (Goutcher) Schultz in Unity.

She attended Unity schools and was a Unity High School class of 1943 graduate. After graduation, she attended Technical College in Minneapolis and began her work during World War II at the Marine Headquarters in Washington DC.

Irene was united in marriage to Conrad Flink on September 14, 1946 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity.

Irene and Conrad spent most of their married lives as dairy farmers in the Unity and Colby area and parents of a large family. After retiring from farming they relocated to Colby. Irene was always an active member in her church – first Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity and then at First United Church of Christ in Colby- and served in many capacities including their Women’s Guild and various committees. Irene also became a volunteer and later Foster Grandparent at Colby Elementary in the first grade. A generation of children grew up getting extra help and knowing the kindness and warmth of “Grandma Flink” and her smile. Irene was always a voracious reader and enjoyed her time at the Colby Public Library as a Board member and weekly volunteer. Irene was also a member of the Colby VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Irene enjoyed the outdoors and frequently would comment about the beauty of the trees and the wildlife around her. She enjoyed having a vegetable garden while on the farm and her flowering baskets in later years. Irene loved the art of letter writing and was a pen pal to many in the family. Irene will be remembered for her sweet and constant smile since she always believed that “when you smile in a friendly way, you get one back almost every time.” She loved her large family and would love to have company and be caught up on all of their activities. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Irene is survived by eight children: Robert (Lottie) Flink of Abbotsford, Jerry (Louanne) Flink of Colby, Richard (Elaine) Flink of Hortonville, Ronald (Virginia) Flink of Marshfield, Jack Flink of Dorchester, Karen (Dave) Hoernke of Medford, Kristine (Denis) Woik of Colby, and Kevin (Kristine O’Leary) Flink of Abbotsford.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Robbie (Jane) and Danny Flink, Stacie (Bob) Smart, Laura Turek, Tricia (Mark) Schmidt, Scott (Michelle) Flink, Bill (Tina) Flink, Tonie (Stacie) Flink, Keith, Kenny, and Seth Flink, Amanda (Jim) Henry, Amy Flink, Matthew (Kayla) Flink, Michael (Hope) Flink, Beth (Eric) Borst, Sarah (Kevin) Schultz, Jimmy Flink, Darrin Hoernke, Derrick (Jen) Hoernke, Damien (Nicole) Hoernke, Elise and Hanah Woik, and John, Lucinda, Ali, Conrad, Warren, and Hazel Flink.

She is further survived by forty-two great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Irene is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Delores Schultz of Colby and Melinda Wootos of Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Connie; her son, Jim and daughter, Irene; brothers, Orville and Bud, and sister, June; one grandson and one great granddaughter.

Memorials may be designated to two of her favorite things – children and her church. The family has designated “Blessings in a Backpack” at Colby Elementary and First United Church of Christ building fund if you are interested in giving a memorial in Irene’s name.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Pastor Teri Hanson will preside. A visitation will be held at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford on Friday, January 29 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again at the church beginning at 10:00 until the time of the service on Saturday.