GRAYDON M. "FRENCHIE" FINK, 88, of Ellis Grove, Illinois, passed away at 10:59 am, Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at Cahokia Nursing Home, Cahokia, Illinois. He was born to the late Joyce and Bernice (nee Louveau) Fink on May 6, 1922 at Fort Gage, Illinois. He attended Cane Hill School. After losing his father at the age of 8, he was very devoted to his mother. He married Violet Dreczka on June 13, 1953 and she preceded him in death on June 12, 1975. Than, he married Betty Jean Biethman Nortin on August 26, 1978 and she preceded him in death on March 17, 1989. Frenchie and his brother, John "Junior" Fink operated Finks Store in Ellis Grove for 40 years. They were well known for their Friday Fish Fry. Frenchie was Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served in the 33rd Division Company K, 130th Infantry Regiment during World War II and received the Silver Star for "resourcefulness and courageous conduct under intense enemy fire" during a battle in Luzon, Philippine Islands. He was recalled from the Reserves during the Korean War and served from January 1949 to March 1954. He was one of the oldest WWII survivors in Randolph County. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #3553, Chester, American Legion Post # 487, Chester and American Legion Post # 1172, Evansville, Illinois. He was young at heart, generous in spirit and one of the most genuine men you would ever meet. His life motto was "Let the Good Times Roll". Survivors: 6 Children Kim Fink (Mark Gleiber) Edwardsville, IL Sheree Nortin Chester, IL Nikki (Mike) Edwards O'Fallon, IL Terri (Tim) Knop Steeleville, IL Scott (Connie) Nortin Columbia, IL Kurt (Beth) Nortin Red Bud, IL 1 Brother George Fink Belleville, IL 13 Grandchildren 5 Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by: Parents, Wives - Violet and Betty Jean, 2 Brothers - John "Junior" Fink and Richard Fink Graveside Service: 11:00 am, Saturday, August 7, 2010 Ellis Grove City Cemetery, Ellis Grove, Illinois Officiating: Deacon Al DuBois Interment: Ellis Grove City Cemetery Ellis Grove, Illinois Visitation: Friday - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturday - 7:30 am - 10:30 am Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Memorials: Passages Hospice Alzheimer's Association
