Carollynn Sergeant Fink

Carollynn Sergeant Fink

CHADWICK -

Carollynn Fink, 89, entered into Eternal Life on October 19, 2026.

Carollynn was born July 3, 1937 in St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. She was adopted by her loving parents, Nelson and Arlene Emery Sergeant and was raised and educated in Sterling, IL graduating with the Class of 1955.

Carollynn married Vernon A. Fink at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling on January 6, 1963. They were married 23.5 years before Vernon's death on July 17, 1986. This city girl learned to farm alongside Vernon on their Chadwick farms and remained active in the farm operations even after his death.

Carollynn had a strong faith and was a 63 year member of First Lutheran Church in Chadwick. During those years, she sang in the choir, served on various committees including Council, taught Sunday School, and was also the Chairman of the Building Committee which dedicated their new addition in 1993.

Through the years, she was an avid civic volunteer. The many organizations she served included the Chadwick Federated Woman's Club, (a 50+ yr. member) serving in officers positions both locally and at the District level and on the State Bylaws Committee. Others included The Chadwick School Music Boosters, Chadwick School Board President during the annexation with Milledgeville school, the Home Extension County Board, she was a 4-H helper, a trustee and officer of the Chadwick Fire Protection District, the Chadwick Booster Club, and SIA (Singles in Agriculture) where she was not only State Chapter President, but also National President. She served on the Food Pantry Board, was a 50+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star and also worked at raising funds to help build the Chadwick Veterans' Memorial. Not only did she give generously of her time; she also was a supporter of the Timberlake Playhouse, the FFA and the Sterling School Foundation.

Survivors include her son, Tom (Theresa) Fink, three granddaughters, Kalrissa (Matthew) Taylor, Alexandra Fink, Madeline (Mitchell) Steffensmeier and two great granddaughters, Ivy Caroline and Collins James Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, her parents and two nephews, Michael & Ted Fink.

A memorial has been established in her name to the Chadwick Fire Department and the Timberlake Theatre.

Carollynn’s celebration of life service will be held 11 am, Friday, October 23, 2026 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chadwick, Illinois. Visitation will be held 9-11am, prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service at the Church. A family burial service will then take place in the Chadwick Cemetery.

More than anything, Carollynn loved spending time with her family. She threw herself into the world of farming and worked side by side with her son Tom, to grow the family farm. She truly embraced her Fink family by hosting all her relatives each Christmas for a large celebration. She was also a dedicated supporter of any and all events her grandchildren participated in. She could be found freezing at football games to watch her cheerleader, sitting through marathon dance recitals, and cheering on the Lady Missiles Volleyball. She sparked her granddaughters love for the fine arts by supporting their love for music and taking them to Timberlake performances. Most importantly, she taught her family that a sweet treat is necessary to complete a meal.