Barbara Link passed away peacefully surrounded by love on September 21st 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Link who passed away 3 years ago.
Barb and Ken met in their senior year at Alleman High School in Rock Island Illinois in chemistry class. Ken loved chemistry, Barb not so much 🙂
Their first date was Barb painting a number on Ken’s motorcycle for an upcoming race. This courtship was full of dates bowling, ice skating on frozen creeks, movies. While courting, Ken attended Saint Ambrose University while Barb attended Marycrest College both in Davenport Iowa.
Ken often exclaimed “she’s the only woman for me” – a sentiment he continued throughout their life together. They were married October 4th, 1953 in Rock Island, IL at the family church, Sacred Heart Catholic church. October 2023 would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.
In 1952, Ken joined the Navy and served in Korea as a medic – Barb worked at John Deere until moving to Lansing for the birth of their first child, Leah and son Kurt. Ken worked as a Railroad Detective in the Quad Cities (Moline IL, Rock Island IL, Davenport IA and Bettendorf IA) during the birth of their son, Kendall, in Rock Island, IL. Daughter Karen was born after they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ken joined the Border Patrol and the family moved to Harlingen Texas where son Frank was born. The Family transferred to Wolf Point, MT where youngest daughter Diane was born. Barb worked for numerous years at Citizens First National Bank and then shifted to her dream job at the Roosevelt County Library where she eventually retired. Ken retired from Border Patrol and began work as a Montana Brand Inspector. He continued his career by joining Alaska’s Fish and Game Department, during which he participated in the Valdez Oil Spill cleanup efforts. Subsequently, Ken joined the Alaska Prison system. After supporting the prison system for years, Ken finally “retired again and came home”.
Mom and Dad shared so many interests. Both loved action movies, Mom crime and mysteries, Dad historical and western documentaries. Both loved animals, Dad loved horses and dogs. Mom loved horses, and cats. Both loved reading – Dad loved non-fiction, Mom loved fiction. Mom loved gardening, bird feeders and tinkering in the yard, Dad not so much 🙂 Dad loved Mom’s cooking – family favorite quote was “I would have married her just for her gravy” Mom was an accomplished artist and art was a large part of her life – painting, sketching, drawing – using all media. Mom enjoyed sewing, needlework, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Dad had a keen eye for detail and was known to point out inaccuracies in movies, mostly westerns, regarding firearms and horse tack. Mom was master cribbage player and taught her children the art as well. Quite the cribbage tournaments in the Link house. Dad was an accomplished horseman and loved roping with his buddies.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the Wolf Point Community for over 62 years 🙂 The family were members of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Barb and Ken were preceded in death by their parents, Ted and Bertha Bonggren, Clifford and Nellie Link, daughter Leah and son Kendall. Barb is survived by her sister Carolyn and brothers John and Ron. Ken is survived by his brother Morrie. Barb and Ken are survived by sons Kurt (Audrey) and Frank and daughters Karen and Diane, 8 grandchildren and 8 1/2 great-grandchildren.
An extended heartfelt thank you to the staff, nurses and doctors of Trinity Hospital for the care of Mom and Dad. Our deepest gratitude to the caretakers (Mom called them “her little angels”) and staff at the Faith Lutheran Home for your endless caring and compassion for Mom during her extended stay there.
A luncheon will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point, Montana at 12:30p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, following the luncheon, a memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, Montana. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Friday November 10, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday November 10, 2023
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Karen McNabb says
My sincerest condolences to the family of Barb and Ken. I knew them most of my life, as I only lived 2 blocks from the family. The obituary is a beautiful remembrance, prayers, hugs and love to you all.
Mary Gagne Martin says
So sorry for the loss of your mother. I will always remember her as such a wonderful kind lady who always had a smile for us all. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know she was in the Faith Home here in Wolf Point.🙏🏻💞💐
ANDREW MCKANE says
I was one of Barb Link’s former sons-in-law, having lived with Leah from June 1995 until her passing away on 18 October 2010. (Leah and I were married on 9 December 2002 and remained married right up to her passing on.) Although we lived together, Leah and I were not married for the first seven years or so of our relationship. Both Barb and Ken always treated me very well.
Barb Link was everything any husband could ask for in a mother-in-law! Indeed, I got along much better with Barb Link then I ever got along with my own mother.
I loved and will always love Barb and Ken Link as if they were my own parents. That is the way they always treated me from the moment I first met them.
Rest in Peace to a very special woman, mother, and friend,
Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Molokai, Hawaii
scott taylor says
To the entire Link Family, Gail and I are so sorry for the loss of Barb…May the Lord bring you all His Love and comfort at this time…God Bless. Scott and Gail.
Brian and JoAnn Nelson says
Prayers and condolences to you all Your Mom was such a kind helpful person. When she worked at the library she was always smiling and eager to help wherever or whenever she could. I’ve missed seeing her the last few years after your Dad passed away. They are dancing with the angels and loved ones who’ve gone before them.
John and LuEllen Brown says
Kurt and Audrey,
We have fond memories of Barb. She joined us for some family activities, and was kind and generous to everyone. We are saddened by her loss, and know that she will always live in your hearts and memories. Our thoughts are with you and your extended family as you grieve.
Robin HayesHernandez says
Our whole family is sorry for this loss. I can’t even find words for these losses.
Donna Rauschendorfer says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.. Love and prayers sent…Mikey