Patrick "Pat" Fink

Patrick Joseph Fink was born on May 15, 1954. Patrick, better known as Pat, the son of Joseph and Hildegarde (Moenkedick) Fink, was born in Perham, MN. He grew up in Luce, MN, with his younger sister Susan, where their mother and father owned a gas station/tavern/used car lot.

He was very proud of his upbringing in the small village of Luce. You could say he was the “Mayor” of Luce, as he was one of the last living residents.

As a child, he attended St. Henry’s Catholic School and filled his days working on cars with his dad, which later shaped his career path and lifelong love of cars. He also enjoyed riding his horse, playing with his dog, and spending time with his family from Cloquet, MN. He was raised with a strong, devoted Catholic faith and was an altar boy at St. Henry’s Church, where he received his First Communion and was later confirmed. He was very close to his aunts, who were devoted nuns at St. Benedict’s in Crookston, which also had a strong influence on his Catholic background.

He attended Perham High School, worked at Sturdevant’s Auto Parts, and then attended post-secondary school in Detroit Lakes, graduating from vocational school in Auto Mechanics.

He began his musical career early in life. As a young child, he found a love for music after receiving an accordion as a gift and taking lessons with his sister. As a teenager, he picked up a guitar and taught himself to play. As a self-taught guitarist, he joined Travelers of the Country Road, where he met Debra (Grundy), whom he later married. Throughout his musical career and his life, he played in several bands, including Mogan, Greased Lightnin’ with his good friends Terry, Richard, and Willy, later Rock ’n’ Review, and most recently the Pat Fink Band.

He married the love of his life, Debra, on his birthday in 1976. Together they had three children: James, Michael, and Lacy. During this time, he worked at Bauck’s Chevrolet and later became the service manager at Auto Trico, both in Perham. In 1987, he started Midway Service at his homestead, where he had several hired hands who became lifelong friends, including Kurt, Chuck, Bud, and many others. In 1997, while still operating Midway Service, he began working at Matz & Greiff Plymouth Dealership in Perham for 10 years. In 2007, he started working at Kit Masters, remanufacturing fan clutches. Later, during retirement, he took a part-time job at Mark’s Fleet Supply in Perham.

During their 49 wonderful years of marriage, Pat and Debra enjoyed traveling to Montana many times to visit his in-laws. He loved karaoke nights with friends and family. Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and attending old car shows with Debra, his children, and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting at his good friend Starsky’s farm with his buddies and his son, Mike. He especially looked forward to jam sessions with his family and friends, particularly at Starsky’s at the lake. Pat welcomed any reason to gather with friends, including woodcutting parties, mud runs, and celebrations. Everyone always smiled when they saw him, striking up conversations nearly everywhere he went.

Pat was an incredible man who had a way of commanding a room with his fun-loving personality and sense of humor while always remaining humble. He was a loving father who proudly supported his children in all their endeavors and a devoted husband who cherished his wife, Debra. Whether relaxing together watching his favorite shows on television or enjoying date nights out, he always took care of her in every way he could. 

He was a friend to all who knew him, and his mechanic shop often became a gathering place where people stopped in just to visit. He was also known for his catchphrases and his ability to rock a stage with his charisma and talent. Pat was a generous man who was always there for his friends and family. He had a positive outlook on life and lived it to the fullest until his final days.

Pat was under hospice care and was also lovingly cared for at the home of his son, Mike, and Mike’s girlfriend, Samantha. Samantha was a vital part of his care, helping him through the many challenges of his long journey, including medical needs and travel. After a courageous nine-year battle with cancer, Pat succumbed to his illness on February 5, 2026, surrounded by family. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Pat was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his sister; his infant son, James; his aunts, uncles, and cousins; his father-in-law, Richard (Dick) Grundy; and several close friends.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debra; his son, Michael (Samantha Coalwell); his daughter, Lacy (Josh Hamilton); his grandchildren, Brecktin, Payton, and Joe; his mother-in-law, Adeline; brothers-in-law Marlin (Cindy) and Dale (Woody) Johnson; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and one great-nephew.

A Celebration of Life for Pat will be on March 14th, 2026 held at the Frazee Event Center from 4-7pm

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