Keith William Fink

1945 - 2023

Keith William Fink, 78, passed away Sept. 6, 2023, at his home in Dallas, Texas, after a battle with Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's.

Keith was born March 24, 1945, in Blackpool, United Kingdom, the son of Wayne and Edith (Clinton) Fink. He emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States in 1946 through Ellis Island, New York, with his mother, aboard the Queen Mary and the USS Washington. He was raised in Keokuk, graduating from Keokuk Senior High School in 1963.

On March 12, 1966, Keith was united in marriage with Mary Susan Grogan in Keokuk. Together they lived in Iowa, Florida, Indiana, and finally Texas. Keith served in the U.S. Army for two years, receiving a rank of sergeant (E-5).

He received his bachelor's degree from Culver-Stockton College in 1970 and his MBA from Western Illinois University in 1976. Keith retired in 2000 after 24 years of service as Vice President - Human Resources with H.J. Heinz Company - The Hubinger Company and Roquette America, Inc.

Keith was a golf enthusiast and some of his favorite times were shared with his Saturday morning foursome in Keokuk and with retirement buddies on various Florida courses. Keith took pride in achieving the title of Master Gardener and he was known to have the most well-manicured yard in his neighborhood. He was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye's fan, and the University has undoubtedly lost one of its most passionate supporters.

He leaves behind his wife Sue; his children, Michelle (Todd) Smiley, Brian (Steffy) Fink, and Jayden (Josie) Fink; his grandchildren, Logan Smiley, Madison Smiley and her fiancé Joseph Nasca, Parker Fink, Grant Fink, and Greyson Fink; and brothers, Kevin (Jodie) Wyant and Chuck Barclay; his sisters-in-law, Jeri Grogan, Diana Grogan, Judy Grogan, and Sara Humphrey; and many nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by his granddogs who were his constant companions and brought him much comfort.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Dorothy Fink; daughter Valaurie Fink Davis; a very special uncle, Roy Fink, and his wife Amanda; his stepbrother Jerry Chambers; and several sisters- and brothers-in-law.

A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, with the Rev. David Brownfield officiating. Military Rites will be held following the mass at the church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at a later date.

There will be a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Keokuk City of Christmas, PO BOX 73, Keokuk, IA 52632, or The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, uihc.org/donations or 1-800-648-6973.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.