Sarah Marie Flink, age 19, of Oshkosh passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 18, 2011. She was born March 27, 1992 in Marshfield, the daughter of Daniel L. Flink and Jana C. (Hess) Doemel.

Those left to forever remember Sarah include, her father, Daniel L. Flink of Appleton; mother, Jana C. (Mark) Doemel of Oshkosh; sisters, Chelsie R. (fiancé Anthony M. Smidl) Flink, Amanda D. Flink; step-sister, Hope M. Doemel; grandparents, Robert (Lottie) Flink, Marjorie Flink, Gordon G. Hess; niece, Ahriana; nephew, Xander; aunts and uncles, Robert A. (Jayne) Flink, Stacie (Robert) Smart, RaeAnn (George) Scherr and numerous cousins and friends. Sarah was preceded in death by her sister, Brianna B. Flink; grandmother, Marlyce R. Hess; uncle, Matthew G. Hess.

Vivacious and playful, Sarah was loved by everyone. Her friends describe her as always looking on the sunny side of life, ready to be "everyone's little support team." Her practical jokes were legendary, like the time she cajoled a co-worker into helping Saran-wrap a car, but only after covering the dashboard with Post-it notes, frosting the dash with glitter and daubing jelly on the door handles. Sarah could always lighten up the more serious moments in life, raising spirits with her wacky sense of humor and gift for mimicry, especially with her constant refrains of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."

There was never a dull moment around Sarah. She took risks, but would always bounce back whenever she got hurt. She loved biking, snowboarding, volleyball and especially softball. She once was so intent on catching a fly ball that she ran into a post and got a black eye from the encounter. But made the catch and came away with a smile.

Sarah loved the outdoors and was gifted with a compass and the ability to track deer; she was often able to find a wounded animal when everyone else had given up. She started hunting with her Grandpa Hess at age 13, and was always eager for goose-, duck- or deer-hunting season when the weather turned cool.

Sarah's major love, however, was animals. She was always investigating creatures, collecting stuffed animals when she couldn't have another dog, and experimenting with her aquarium. She was an avid fisher, although she was initially squeamish about putting worms on the hook, so she used a minnow as bait instead and landed a 19-inch small-mouth bass. Her family proudly mounted the fish to commemorate her good luck.

Animals loved Sarah in return, especially dogs. Whenever she was with the hunting crew, Grandpa's dogs always ended up lying at Sarah's feet. Sarah's love of animals led her to enroll in the Globe University Veterinary Technician program, and her dream was to become a full-fledged veterinarian.

Sarah was completely devoted to her friends and family. On her 18th birthday, Sarah and her beloved sister Chelsie each had an artistic strand of stars and ribbons with each other's initials tattooed on their feet.

Memorial services for Sarah will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Community Church, 2351 Ryf Road, Oshkosh with Reverend Karl Kramer officiating. The family will greet friends at church on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 5 to 8 P.M. and again on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions in Sarah's name may be made to Saving Paws, P.O. Box 0362 Appleton, WI 54912-0362. Please visit www.foxcitiesfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family as well as view a complete obituary.

Fox Cities Funeral & Cremation Services
3026 Jackson St., Oshkosh
920-966-9000