Rev. John Leo Fink, 79, joined his Heavenly Father Monday, April 17, 2023, at Harrison Springs Health Campus in Corydon, Indiana. Fr. John was born May 20, 1943, to Edward and Helen (Hayes) Fink in Beech Grove, Indiana.
He grew up as a member of Holy Name Parish in Beech Grove, attending Holy Name Grade School and the Latin High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from St. Mary's College in Lebanon, Kentucky, and graduated with a degree in theology from Kendrick Seminary and St Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Fr. John was ordained by Archbishop Paul C. Schulte on May 24, 1969, and received his first assignment as Associate Pastor for St. Mary's in North Vernon, Indiana. He went on to serve in the priesthood across Indiana, serving the parishes of St. Mary's North Vernon, St. Mary-St. Michael Madison, St. Simon the Apostle Indianapolis, St. Bernard Frenchtown, Our Lord Jesus Christ the King Paoli, Our Lady of Perpetual Help New Albany, St. Joseph Shelbyville, St. Peter Franklin County, St. Michael Bradford, and St. Joseph Crawford County. After retiring in 2013, Fr. John enjoyed offering sacramental assistance to Southern Indiana parishes as needed.
In addition to his parents, Fr. John was preceded in death by his brothers, Louis, James, and Joseph Patrick Fink. He is survived by his dog Kobe, several cousins, a wonderful group of parish friends, and his large and loving adopted family, "The Smiths." He will be fondly remembered for his deep booming voice, boisterous laugh, and whole-hearted spiritual faith.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at St. Michael's Catholic Church - Bradford and on Friday after 9:00 a.m. A vigil service will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at St. Michael's Catholic Church - Bradford with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fr. John's memory may be made to Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary (2500 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222) or to St. Michael's Catholic Church (11400 Farmers Lane NE, Greenville, IN 47124).
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