Douglas B. Fink

Douglas “Doug” Fink passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, due to complications associated with a recent diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances Fink, and his daughter, Alicia Fink. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Ruthena; daughters Angela (Gabriel) and Amelia (Mike); four beloved grandsons; brother David (Susan); and nieces Mara (Garrett) and Kaia (Cameron). 

Doug was born on October 24, 1947, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. A gifted athlete from an early age, he excelled in multiple sports throughout high school and college and loved the spirit of competition. After graduating from Cedar Falls High School, he attended Grinnell College from 1966–1969, where he competed in both football and golf. As quarterback for the Grinnell College Pioneers, Doug distinguished himself by throwing four touchdown passes in a single game to standout receiver Mike Schwartz. He also competed on Grinnell’s varsity golf team for three years and was low scorer in multiple Midwest Athletic Conference matches. Doug was known as an intense competitor while, at the same time, maintaining lasting friendships with teammates and opponents alike. He later graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1970 and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1973. Even in law school, Doug’s competitive spirit continued as he quarterbacked a team of law and business students to an all-school intramural championship victory over several fraternity teams. Doug also had a lifelong love of music. His bass voice contributed to multiple choirs throughout his life as well has caroling at Christmas, singing along in the car and whenever the spirit moved him. 

Doug spent most of his professional life as a self-employed personal injury attorney. While he was dedicated to his work, he never allowed his career to overshadow what mattered most to him: family, friendships, travel, golf, and poker. Golf remained one of Doug’s lifelong passions. He maintained a single-digit handicap for many years and especially enjoyed escaping Minnesota winters to play in Arizona during January and February. He also cherished the camaraderie and competition of poker, particularly the time spent with friends at Canterbury Card Club.

Doug loved to travel, especially by car. During a period of fascination with Civil War history, he took several road trips through the Southeast to visit battlefields and historic sites. But his favorite trips were the family vacations he loved to plan himself — armed only with AAA guidebooks and paper maps …. never technology! He fondly referred to many of these adventures as “hub trips,” where the family would fly into cities such as Seattle, Las Vegas, or Boston, rent a car, and spend a week exploring the surrounding areas together. These trips created countless treasured family memories.

Doug lived life fully and brought warmth, humor, and an unmistakable smile wherever he went. Even in his final days, he faced his illness with courage, grace, and determination, directing his own care and accepting his fate with remarkable bravery. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Visitation will be held Friday, June 12, from 5:00–7:00 PM at O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home, 575 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar Street, St. Paul. For church parking info refer to https://centralforgood.org/directions Memorials are preferred to Central Presbyterian Church or the American Red Cross. Doug volunteered with the Red Cross and was deeply grateful for the many blood products he received during the final month of his life.

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