Obituary of Leslie Flink

Leslie R. Flink, 78, of New Brighton, formerly of Cambridge passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at his home in New Brighton, Minnesota. Les, the only child of Vernon and Florence Hattie Flink, grew up in the small town of Cambridge where his love of engineering grew watching his Father design and machine custom metal parts for local farmers. One of the things that Les was most proud of was the working miniature replica of an old steam engine that his father, a high school graduate, had built. Les was happy to know that this still functioning piece of his family history has a treasured and permanent home with his son Doug and his grandson Adam, also an engineer, just like his Grandpa. Les graduated at the top of his class from the University of Minnesota with his degree in mechanical engineering. After working for several companies, he spent the rest of his working life with 3M where he worked on many products which were patented by the company. On September 3, 1955, Les married Vivian Bicking and they moved to the Twin Cities where they raised four children. They lived in New Brighton where they were active members of Sunnyside Bible Chapel and later Salem Baptist Church and enjoyed the fellowship of many good friends. Les and Vivian celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September of 2005. Les and Vivian were so proud of their 5 grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to attend their many recitals and programs. Les was very proud of his 100% Swedish heritage and was extremely involved in the Swedish Cultural Society and all things Swedish, including partaking of countless Lutefisk dinners. We loved him anyways. Les lost his beloved Vivian this past June after years of illness. He, on the other hand, left us suddenly and quietly as was his way. We take comfort in the secure knowledge that he is now with both his wife and his Lord and Savior in a far better place. Les will be missed by his children Barb Taylor & John Tran of San Diego, CA, Brenda and husband Mark Kulhanek of Forest Lake, Douglas and wife Karen Flink of Stillwater, David Flink of Minneapolis, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.