Kenneth R. Fink

1925 - 2023

Kenneth R. Fink, 97, of Curwensville, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7 at his home.

Born Dec. 17, 1925, in Kerrmoor, he was the son of Lewis and Loda (Barrett) Fink.

On Oct. 9, 1950, he wed June K. Shaffer, who preceded him in death. He is survived by the couple's four children: Marty Rowles, James Fink, Debra Richmond (Timothy) and Janice Mankey (Gary). Also surviving are grandchildren Matthew and Craig Rowles (Allison), Teresa Truax (Glenn), Karen Khalil (George), Richard Fink and Elizabeth Demko (Robert). His survivors also include great-grandchildren Avery, Adrian and Alyssa Rowles; Kyler Jarrett; Rahel, Jude and Eliza Khalil; Lauren and Isaac Demko; and Lewis Truax, along with many nieces and nephews.

The last of his generation, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mae Geddes, Velma McKenney, Edna Michaels, Wilda Curry, Earl, Merrill, Harry and Elmo Fink, and an infant sister, Marie.

Enlisting in the Army Infantry at age 16, when all four of his older brothers were also serving in the military, Mr. Fink was part of the European Theater of combat in WWII, with the 78th Lightning Division. His war experience included the Battle of the Bulge, which stretched for six weeks during one of the coldest winters on record. Among his numerous service medals are two Bronze Stars, and he achieved the rank of corporal before his discharge in 1946.

Having completed his basic education in a one-room schoolhouse in Kerrmoor, he attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh after returning to civilian life.

Mr. Fink worked for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 30 years, first as postmaster at Kerrmoor, then as a rural carrier with the Curwensville Post Office, after the Kerrmoor location closed in 1966. He served as president of the Clearfield County Rural Letter Carriers Association.

A prolific artist, he began with pencil sketches as a young child, working in oil and acrylic paint, charcoal and watercolors in his professional career, continuing into his 90s. His body of work includes more than 200 pieces, some now in private collections, including those of family and friends. He was a perennial favorite in the Clearfield County Fair art competition, where he often earned Best of Show rankings. His favorite subjects to paint were the lush farmlands and forests around him, and their people and wildlife. A book of his collected works was published in 2012.

Mr. Fink was an active member of the Kerrmoor Grange and the Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee and Sunday School superintendent for many years. He later attended the Cherry Corner Bible Church.

In October 2022, he was presented a national Quilt of Valor by nurses of the Altoona Veterans Hospital, in honor of his defense of his country.

Funeral arrangements are being conducted by the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. in Curwensville, where friends and family will be received on Friday, Oct. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The service will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Baptist Church in Kerrmoor, officiated by Pastor Timothy Richmond and Pastor George Solley. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment will follow at Fruit Hill Cemetery, Ansonville.