Benj Fink

      Benjamin “Benj” Chester Fink, 72, of Elsmere, was born to Chester “Eugene” Fink and Dana Ruth Milleson Fink on March 5, 1952, in Broken Bow Nebraska. Benj passed away on April 5, 2024, at Kearney Regional Hospital, in Kearney NE.

     Benj lived at the X7 Ranch his entire life. He attended Elsmere District 101 from K–8th grade. He attended Broken Bow High School, graduating in 1970. He attended Kearney State College for 2 years where he played football and wrestled. Then, he returned home to the ranch and joined his father in ranching.

     Benj and Sylvia Pavelka were married in 1979, and they made their home at the ranch by Elsmere NE, to this marriage Scott and Amy were born.

     Benj was a lifetime member of the Elsmere Baptist Church/Elsmere Bible Church and attended Sunday School, Church, VBS, and was always an active participant in the activities of the church. He was part of leadership in the church and enjoyed taking his grandkids to Sunday school. Benj remained friends with classmates from his elementary, high school, and college days. Benj and several of his high school classmates of 1970 made a point to get together once a year and stayed in touch. Benj was an avid supporter of Hereford Cattle and part of the Hereford Crossroads. He was involved in Goose Creek Beavers 4-H club, FFA, and in high school football and wrestling.

     Benj enjoyed bull riding, attending rodeos, was a lifetime hunter and fisherman and participated in many ice fishing contests, he enjoyed bowling league, was an avid Husker fan, attending family events and he had a good eye for finding arrowheads and petrified wood. Benj enjoyed watching his cattle sell at the sale barn and attended many ranch and estate sales.

     His grandchildren and their activities were a highlight of his life. He didn’t miss many of the volleyball, basketball, football, soccer or rodeos they were in. He could be seen watching them, smiling and encouraging them. He was known for always having “Grandkid Bait” with him which was usually jellybeans or tic-tacs. Benj was always interested in the history of the ranch, Elsmere School and his relatives. In 2004, the X7 Ranch received the Aksarben 100 Year Pioneer Award with the ranch being in the family since 1904. Benj was proud he had Hereford cattle carry the X7 brand, received by the Fink brothers in 1902.

      Benjamin is survived by his son Scott, daughter-in-law LaCaylla their children Bristal, Brayden, and Braylee that live on the ranch; his daughter Amy and his son-in-law Chris Berggren and their children Justin and Madilyn from North Platte; his sister Kathryn and Gary Austin from Omaha and their children Kristi Svec and Brian, brothers Roger and Sheila Fink from Curtis and their sons Tim and Tony, and Ray and Kerry Fink from Burwell and their children Konni Harris, Wes and Jessica Badura, numerous great nieces and nephews, his aunt Marlene Milleson and 10 Fink first cousins, Beverly, Virginia, Wayne, Barb, Mike, Shari, Arthur, Rose, Albert, and Anthony and 4 Milleson first cousins, Lishia, Vonda, Ryan and Jennifer.

     Benj was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chester and Erma Fink, and Frank and Lola Milleson; mother, Dana Ruth, father Chester Eugene; uncles Arnold Fink/Frances, Howard Fink/Wilma, Melvin Fink/Pearl, Archie Fink/Marguerite, B.F “Junior” Milleson, and aunt Dorotha/ Nick Nicholson and aunt Jeanette/Bob Edelman; 8 Fink cousins Gale, Dick, Allen, Verle, Jimmy, Wendall, Joyce, and Archie Lowell.

     Benj loved his family and took pride in his children and grandchildren. He loved the ranch and his work on the ranch. God was good to Benj and his family. He was a kind, gentle person that enjoyed each day and had a positive attitude.

      Funeral services will be held on April 13, 204, at 10:30 at the Elsmere Bible Church with Pastor Les Canfield officiating.  The burial will be at the Purdum Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed at www.govierbrothers.com.  Visitation will be at Govier Brothers Mortuary on April 12th, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with family attending 4-6 and a Prayer Service at 6:00 on. Memorials will be donated to Sandhills Jr Rodeo Bible Camp in Mullen and Elsmere Bible Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers.com