Ella & Gordon Fink

Ella was born on May 22, 1944, in Hamilton, North Dakota, to Lorne and Lorene Franks. She attended school in Hamilton, where she grew up with strong family values and a caring spirit that remained with her throughout her life. On November 9, 1963, she married the love of her life, Gordy, in Hamilton, North Dakota. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and countless adventures.

Their marriage was blessed with four children: Brent (Andrea), Bryan (Elisa), Danny (Cher), and Beverly Lenhardt (Terry). Ella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves behind seven grandsons, one granddaughter, and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, Lorne and Lorene Franks, her brother, her sisters, and a cherished granddaughter.

Ella dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Fremont Unified School District. She began as a yard duty supervisor and later served on the clerical staff, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and strong work ethic. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved taking long walks, solving Sudoku puzzles, and creating beautiful embroidered blankets—one for each of her grandchildren, a treasured gift they will cherish forever. She and her husband shared a love of travel and were fortunate to visit all 50 states and Canada together, creating memories that lasted a lifetime.

Later in life, after moving to Lodi, Ella embraced her community at her assisted living residence. She enjoyed playing bingo, participating in arts and crafts workshops, and attending live music events. One of her family’s favorite memories is watching her get up and dance during a musical performance, bringing smiles to everyone around her. She also formed many meaningful friendships that enriched her later years. Ella’s gentle heart, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and forever remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared so freely.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved. She will be forever missed and forever loved.

Gordon Elmer Fink, age 84 passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026.

He was born on September 3, 1941, in Layden, North Dakota, to Elmer and Cecilia Fink. He graduated from Cavalier High School in North Dakota in May of 1960. On November 09, 1963, he married the love of his life, Ella Franks, in Hamilton, North Dakota, beginning a marriage filled with love, family, and adventure.

Together, they raised four children: Brent wife (Andrea), Bryan wife (Elisa), Danny wife (Cher), and Beverly Lenhardt husband (Terry). He was a proud grandfather to seven grandsons and two granddaughters, and a loving great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father brother and granddaughter.

He dedicated his career to the John Deere family, beginning at a dealership in Cavalier, North Dakota, before moving to California, where he worked for Empire Tractor in the Bay Area. Over the years, he served as a mechanic, field service mechanic, shop foreman, and service manager. Later, he headed up service training and OSHA compliance for ten stores across California and Sparks, Nevada. He was a respected member of the Equipment Maintenance Association, serving as president, and was also an advisory board member for the junior college system in California. He retired from John Deere on September 3, 2003.

Outside of work, he loved hunting and fishing, and he and his wife had the opportunity to travel to all 50 states across the United States, creating treasured memories.

He will be deeply missed—an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend—greatly loved by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, love, and family will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held at Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539, US, on August 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, with a Religious Ceremony there the same day from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

A Memorial Service will take place at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539, US, on August 7, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.