Robert Fink

Robert FinkWas only twelve, but the impact of his life touched scores of people. Family, friends and neighbors, teachers, and peers, doctors and technicians, young and old and perfect strangers echoed the same refrain, "Robert was a very special boy…" Helpful, friendly, courteous and, kind, Robert personified the Scouting Code he knew by heart. Even greater was his quiet faith. Robert lived life and fought death with a trust and assurance that left family and friends, moved and amazed. Still, he was an all American boy who fought with his sister, loved watching Bart Simpson and waging war games on his computer. After three years of surgeries, therapies and many an up-hill battle, Robert’s weary frame claimed its peace and his valiant spirit the ultimate Victory. "When the Saints Come Marching In" was his favorite hymn and those who knew him could have little doubt that all Heaven was singing that chorus when Robert arrived there Friday night. Surrounded by his family and the loving prayers of countless others, Robert Fink died peacefully at his home, just before sunset, September 17, 2004. He was born January 19, 1992 in Geneva, IL, the son of Thomas and Mary (Kemp) Fink. Robert began pre-school at the Union Congregational Pre-School, North Aurora. He attended H.C. Storm Elementary School in Batavia and was a seventh grade student at Rotolo Middle School, Batavia. He was a faithful member of the Batavia United Methodist Church and seldom missed a Sunday. Robert loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir, both at church and at school. He played Trombone in the school band and taught himself to play the piano as well as the harmonica. Robert was also a member of Batavia Cub Scout Pack #139,where he proudly earned the Order of the Arrow and crossed over to Boy Scout Troop #43.Robert was a boy with ambitious goals. He wanted to become an Eagle Scout; to play Trombone in the Notre Dame Marching Band and to become an architect. Though he never had the chance to achieve all that he dreamed, he achieved far more than he could ever have imagined. SURVIVORS In addition to his parents and his sister Catherine, he is survived byHis paternal grandparents:Allen (Elizabeth) Fink of St. Charles, ILAnd Margaret Jane Fink of Monticello, IL;His maternal grandmother, Ruth Kemp, of Marshall, IL;Several aunts and uncles and their families:(maternal)Sue (Michael) Guillemette of Lansing, IL and their son Joseph.(paternal)Douglas (Mary) Fink of Northbrook, IL and their family Jen, Joe and Kate.Patrick (Keiko) Fink of Virginia and their daughter, Mitsi Kenneth Fink of North Aurora, ILEdwina (Mike) DelGuidice of Northbrook, IL and their sons, Allen and Max.As well as several great aunts and uncles. And his favorite baby sitters, Carol Kuphal and family.In addition, he leaves a legacy of everyday memories; the way he ate whatever his mom cooked for dinner and wore whatever she washed without complaint; the way he loved his dad for staying with him through the hard times; searching for the best Buffalo Wings and Key Lime Pie on the planet; the way he shared his very personal journey with his "Pit Crew" from Rotolo Middle School; swimming at the Quarry, back-yard parties and sleep-overs with best friends and a thousand "magic moments" that will be remembered forever by people Robert never knew he touched, but whose lives will never be the same. PRECEDEDHe is preceded in death by his maternal Grandfather, Joseph KempAs well as his great grandparents. MEMORIALSIn lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Robert Fink memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL, 60119. When time permits, Robert’s family will divide donations among a variety of charities and causes to carry on the spirit of Robert’s life and faith.

Friends may call on Friday evening Sept 24, from 6-9PM at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, Il 60119Funeral Services will be at 11am on Sat Sept 25, at Batavia United Methodist Church , Rt. 31 near Wilson St., with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30. at the church, Rev. Michael Stoner officiating.

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held.