Delmer R Fink

Delmer Robert Fink was born on August 2nd, 1932, to Robert H & Edna Viola (Schroeder) Fink in Alta Vista, Ks. Delmer was a special blessing and their only child. Delmer grew up in the country east of Alta Vista attending a rural one room country school. Because of Delmer’s poor health and extreme Asthma their family moved into Alta Vista by the time Delmer was out of grade school and there he attended and graduated from Alta Vista High School in 1951. Delmer passed away in his home on September 3rd 2024 with his loving wife Donna and daughters Carolyn and Julie by his side.

Delmer has been an extremely hard worker and entrepreneur his entire life. Upon graduation he moved to Wamego to take over his uncle’s car lot and tire station. He knew because of his overall health problems he would have to work harder than most to succeed and that was his goal his entire life.

Delmer met and Married Dorthy Mensch of Wamego in 1952 and to their marriage were born a daughter Janice and a son Robert. Later they divorced.

During the following years not only did Delmer run the tire shop but he also bought and fixed up houses and remodeled them. He either rented or sold them to purchase more.

After the 1970’s Gas embargo he was no longer able to buy tank loads of gas for his station and because the station was just across the street from a grain elevator it forced him to rethink what he could do to help combat his asthma. For a time, he did many jobs such as plumbing, carpentry work, night janitor at K-State and being a bus driver transporting workers from Wamego to the Goodyear plant in Topeka.

In 1978 he approached John Crofoot at Cedar Point asking about selling advertising for Western Associates. Because of John’s good nature he offered him the job and Delmer took off from there; later becoming one of the top salespeople for Western Associates for many, many years. John told him later he just knew Delmer probably couldn’t do the job – but later agreed that Delmer joining the Western Associates sales team was an outstanding move. Delmer’s love of people, unforgettable contiguous laugh made him not only a beloved salesman but a friend to those he called upon. Many which are still loyal friends to him yet today.

Delmer continued in sales which led him to meet the love of his life Donna (Herzet) Weber who also worked at Western Associates. This meeting began the most amazing love story in history with them marrying on Leap Year Day Feb. 29th 1992. The love and devotion that they have shared has been a role model for others. He loved Donna’s cooking especially her homemade apple pies. Delmer loved God and became a member of the Holy Family Catholic church. Delmer welcomed his newfound family of Julie (Weber) Shaw, Carolyn (Weber) Bell and Sheila Weber Williams, becoming their wonderful and loving Dad that have been proud to call him their Dad for 32 years.

Delmer was an avid reader of western novels, loved watching Gunsmoke, listening to country music and wishing he and Donna could dance – but with 4 left feet that was a challenge. Delmer loved traveling. He and Donna were blessed to travel to far off places of beauty but always loved coming home to their humble home in the Flint Hills the most. This is where they welcomed their loving family and friends sharing stories and laughing while serving meals to whomever would come by. Delmer’s favorite time of year was Christmas when anywhere from 35 to 45 people would join him for celebrating Jesus’s birth: delighting him with visits from Santa and all the presents to his loved ones. Delmer’s loving and giving heart was overflowing and it showed in all that he did.

Because of his ambition Delmer not only was a top salesman but he built about 20 new houses throughout the town of Marion with his trusted friends Wayne Weber and Butch Suffield. They also remodeled many older homes to rent to families that needed a place to live. That devotion to help the sometimes-struggling families was not taken lightly and has continued to this day.

Delmer has the most amazing family and extended family that have lovingly called him, DAD, GRANDPA, PAPA, Uncle, and Friend. He is survived by his loving wife Donna of the home, daughters Julie (& Troy ) Shaw Emporia, KS, Carolyn (& Mike Bell) Ogallala, Ne, Sheila Williams, Marion. Daughter Janice (John) Rookstool Wamego and Robert (Carol) Fink Wamego, brother in law Bob (Marlene ) Herzet Hilllsboro. Delmer was honored to be called Grandpa & PaPa to 11 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. 

He is also survived by Melissa Parmley a special niece that always was there to give a helping hand with love and support to both Delmer and Donna. He is also survived by many other extended family members and true friends that have blessed his life.

Visitation will be from 6-7 pm with a Vigil service and rosary starting at 7 pm on Friday Sept 6th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Florence. Funeral Mass will be at 10 am on Sat. Sept. 7th at ­­Holy Family Catholic Church in Florence, KS where Delmer attended faithfully.

Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Florence following the funeral mass.

Memorials to Holy Family Catholic Church of Florence, Good Shephard Hospice care, and Saint Jude’s Childrens Hospital.