Karen L. Fink

Karen L. Fink passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on October 27, 2026.  A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory.  Mike Edwards will officiate.  The visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 AM on Saturday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington, WI.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.  

Karen’s story began on June 4, 1935, in Madison, WI, where she was born to Leslie and Margaret (Thomas) Greenfield. She spent her grade school years in Madison before moving to Darlington, WI, where she graduated from Darlington High School in 1953.  She married and was blessed with five sons: Michael, Tim, Steve, Tony, and Dan. She raised them on the family farm in Truman where she cherished family gatherings, especially during the holidays when her grandchildren were young.

Later in life, Karen attended Southwest Tech and earned her cosmetology license in 1979. Her 27-year career as a beautician began at Charm Beauty Shop in Platteville, though she spent most of those years working with Nancy at Poller’s Parlor in Belmont.  She loved dogs and rescued several over the years. Her beloved terrier, Snuggles, was her constant companion and brought her immense joy over the past 11 years. In her free time, she enjoyed making quilts and teddy bears, playing cards, and shopping for antiques.

Karen is survived by her five sons: Michael, Darlington; Tim (Patti), Sherman, IL; Steve (Jennifer), Dodgeville, WI; Tony (Sharon), Darlington; Dan (Kari), Stevens Point; her 11 grandchildren whom she truly adored: Marc Fink, Melissa (Michael) Edwards, and Matt (Amy) Fink; Scott Fink; Bob (Joleen), Rick (Laura) and Braxton Fink; Cassie (Colby) Reichling and Kelsey (Austin) Gant; Maddie (fiancée Luke Fontecchio) and Zoe Fink; 19 great grandchildren: Brett, Abby, Iliana, Owen, Evered, Colton, Kane, Madison, Lexie, Jax, Chesne, Cruz, Landry, Ava, Boone, Emmy, Rinley, Baylor and Maizie; and her nephews Chris (Theresa), Greg (Brooke) and Eric (Ann Margaret) Noble.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Pat and Don Noble and a nephew Mike Noble.

Karen’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Belmont EMS, Southwest Health EMS, Lafayette Hospital and Clinics, Lafayette County EMS, Agrace Hospice and Sentinel Home Care for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be addressed to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society or the Parkinson's Foundation per Karen’s request.

For those who are unable to attend the visitation or services but would still like to extend their condolences to the family, you are invited to join them at the Darlington Country Club from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.