Laverne Fink
Mary Kathrine Laverne Fink, known to all as Laverne, of Lonedell, MO, departed this life in Washington, MO, on February 29, 2020, having reached the age of seventy-seven years, seven months and twelve days. Laverne was born in St Clair, MO, on July 17, 1942, daughter of George Edward Bruns and Selma Kathrine Marie Bruns nee Weber. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have two children. On May 28, 1973, she was united in marriage to Arthur Charles Fink, Jr. and their families were joined as one.
Laverne is survived by her husband, Art Fink of Lonedell, MO; by four children, Dean F. Grus and wife, Donna, of Stanton, MO, Deanne Grus of Polk City, FL, Sandy Fink, DVM and wife, Donna Ellis, of St. James City, FL and Arthur C. Fink, III and wife, Theresa, of Gerald, MO; by one brother, Charles L. Bruns, known to most as Pokey, and wife, Jeanette, known to most as Jan, of St. Clair, MO; by two sisters-in-law, Celeste Burns, known to most as Lovie, of St. Clair and Charlotte Fink of Ellisville, M; by nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Laverne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Selma Bruns, and by two brothers, Lester and Ivan Bruns.
Laverne was a Christian and active member St. John United Church of Christ in St. Clair, MO. She also served on the church’s cemetery board for Mt. Hope Cemetery. During her working years, she had been employed as an activities director in the nursing home industry, having worked at Marymount Nursing Home in Eureka, MO, Midland Nursing Home in Arnold, MO and St. Clair Nursing Home in St. Clair. She then began her career as a bus driver for the St. Clair R-XIII school district, retiring after about fifteen years. When her children were younger, Laverne had been active in Lonedell R-14 PTA, Lonedell Sports Boosters and was also a 4-H Leader. She was very civic minded and an active member in the community. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and had served as Election Poll Official for over twenty years. She was an organ donor, member of the Red Hat Society, member of the St. Clair Historical Museum and had delivered meals on wheels.
Laverne had many interests during her life. She was a talented musician, playing both the piano and the organ. Over the years, she had played the organ at various churches in the area, included St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare Catholic Church and St. John United Church of Christ. She had a great appreciation of the outdoors and was well versed in knowing many wild flowers and trees. She enjoyed raising flowers in her yard, and feeding the birds and wildlife was a favorite pastime. Watching Cardinal Baseball games was another of her hobbies. She and Art had enjoyed traveling after the children were grown. Her children and grandchildren were truly her pride and joy and she cherished the time she spent with them.
Memorial services were held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with the Rev. Laura Mignerone officiating. Private committal took place in Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ, St. Clair, MO.