Christine Fink

Christine Mary Fink entered into Eternal Rest on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Her life was well-lived, and full of accomplishments and enjoyments.

Christine was born in Suffern, NY, on Christmas Eve 1946. She was the second child of Philip and Pauline Martino and enjoyed a loving upbringing in nearby West Haverstraw, NY. After graduating high school from Ladycliff Academy in 1963, she pursued her passion for science and education, earning degrees from Good Counsel College and The Ohio State University. She remained a proud Buckeye fan throughout her life. On June 15,1969, she married Edward Fink, Jr. in Haverstraw, NY. Together, they would head west to the Omaha, NE area, where they would remain and build their lives and careers.

Christine was a proud, dedicated, and loving mother to two sons, Edward III and David. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, passion for learning, masterful cooking, and many memories she helped create around holidays and vacations. She was an encouraging and loving presence in her children's lives.

Her other children were the many students she taught over a 33-year career at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA, in the subjects of chemistry and earth science. It was close to impossible to go on an outing or a shopping trip without Christine stopping to chat with someone, remarking afterward, "Oh, that's a former student of mine." She clearly touched countless lives. She was a dedicated member of the Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, and PEO honor societies, seeking to share her love of education with others, and inspire the next generation of teachers. After retirement from ALHS, she continued her career at University of Nebraska-Omaha as a lab instructor for several years.

Christine was a lifelong Catholic and longtime, active member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs. Her faith was incredibly important to her, and over the years, she served as a lector, eucharistic minister, and for 20 years she and Ed taught the parish's RCIA class, helping bring many new members into the Church, as well as organizing the summer Vacation Bible School for the children of the parish. Her other great love, after her family, her faith, and education, was gardening. Tending to the beautiful landscaping and plentiful garden at her home was a true joy for her, and she enjoyed sharing that joy, becoming a Master Gardener, and served as a volunteer to maintain the healing garden at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.

In her later years, she enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her constant presence at games, recitals, and celebrations of all kinds. Her thoughtfulness and generosity at Christmas, her creative and elaborate Halloween parties, and her Easter basket scavenger hunts will be fondly remembered. She and Ed also grew to love travel, both on their own or with other friends and family. There were many cruises: Caribbean, Alaska, river cruises in Europe, and just last February, the Panama Canal. They also made many visits to Hawai'i, a favorite destination.

Christine is predeceased by her parents, Philip and Pauline, her three brothers Francis, Philip Jr. and Paul, and her nephew Christopher. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Edward Jr of Council Bluffs, her sons Edward III (Mary) of Omaha and David of New Richmond, WI, grandchildren Claire, Andrew, Gianna, and Peter Fink; Damien and Ava Fink and Riely Schulte; and great-grandsons Quintin and Emmett Fink; many brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Visitation is Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 pm at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Holy Rosary to begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11 am, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1 Bluff St. Council Bluffs. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.