Remembering Wif Finken: A Legacy of Service and Community
Julie Carlson
The Finken family and team are mourning the loss of our founder, Wif Finken, who passed away on January 25, 2026. As we look back on his 65 year journey in the water and home services industry, we are reminded of the grit and heart he poured into every home he entered.
From the Air Force to the Basement
After serving in the U.S. Air Force and building airplanes in Alexandria, Wif entered the water softener business. His first customer lived south of Freeport, and from that first installation, he set a standard for care. In an era where providers often damaged stairs with heavy carts, Wif used a smaller cylinder and a shoulder sling to protect his customers' homes.
Building a Foundation on Relationships
Wif’s success was built on a simple, stubborn refusal to fail. When others predicted his business would fold within months, he worked harder. He didn't believe in aggressive sales tactics; he believed in quality. "Standing still is like moving backwards," he often told us. "You never want to get too relaxed or complacent."
Under his leadership, the company expanded from water treatment into plumbing, heating, and cooling in 1977. What started in Melrose grew to include locations in St. Cloud, Baxter, Litchfield, and beyond.
A True Community Leader
Whether he was walking in a parade or attending a church fair, Wif was a man of the people. He took great pride in the fact that many of his original customers became lifelong friends. Even as the company transitioned to the second and third generations of the Finken family, Wif remained our greatest advocate for the "community first" approach.
Wif’s legacy continues through his son Tom, daughters Sharon and Julie, his grandchildren Chris and Mike, and the entire Finken team. We are committed to honoring his memory by providing the same dependable, high-quality service he pioneered in 1961.