Benjamin Chester Fink

Benjamin “Benj” Chester Fink, 72, of Elsmere, NE was born to Chester “Eugene” Fink and Dana Ruth Milleson Fink on March 5, 1952 in Broken Bow, NE. Benj passed away April 5, 2024 at Kearney Regional Hospital, 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 two 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 jelly beans 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 1902. Benj was proud he had Hereford cattle carry the X7 brand all of his life.

Benjamin is survived by his son, Scott; daughter-in-law, LaCaylla and 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, NE; his sister, Kathryn and Gary Austin from Omaha, NE and their children, Kristi Svec and Brian; brothers, Roger and Sheila Fink from Curtis, NE, and their sons, Tim and Tony, and Ray and Kerry Fink from Burwell, NE, and their children, Konni, Wes and Jessica; numerous great nieces and nephews, his aunt, Marlene Milleson and 10 Fink cousins.

Benj was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chester and Erma Fink and Frank and Lola Milleson; mother, Dana Ruth; and father, Chester Eugene.

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 were held on April 13th at the Elsmere Bible Church with Pastor Les Canfield officiating. Burial was at the Purdum Cemetery. Memorials are designated to the Sandhills Jr. Rodeo Bible Camp in Mullen and the Elsmere Bible Church.