William (“Bill”) Charles Link, Sr. was born on August 26th, 1945 in Marshfield, Wisconsin to William John Link and Dorothy Genevieve Gauthier. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home in Porter, Indiana on February 22nd, 2024 at the age of 78. His purpose on this earth was complete and he will forever remain in our hearts.
Bill grew up on the Lac du Flambeau Chippewa Indian Reservation in northern Wisconsin. When he was a child, his father became ill. He and his sister Mary were raised by three loving women- their mother, Aunt Mable, and Aunt Mayme. He learned the power of generosity from his Aunt Mable, who ensured all people were taken care of. Bill’s maternal grandfather, Charles Gauthier, was appointed reservation Chief of Police and Interpreter at the government school. This was his connection to the Native American heritage he was so deeply proud of.
In 1964 he graduated from Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua, WI. He then traveled to Minneapolis, MN to pursue a degree in Laboratory Technology at The Professional Business Institute with his best friend Hank Bauers. He had many adventures there but loved to tell the tale of one of his best jobs ever- parking cars for valet where he got to drive the best cars in town.
Bill then discovered Canton, IL, where he acquired a job at Graham Hospital’s Laboratory. It didn’t take much to convince his friend Hank to move to Canton to join him, where the work was steady and the girls were plentiful. It was here he met Phyllis Fife, who would become his wife in 1968 and Mother to their three children William, Kelli, and Amanda. Bill was a Lab Tech at Graham for nearly ten years. He was determined to provide for his family, escape poverty, and give back to the women who raised him.
In 1969, Bill began working for Fisher Scientific, where he worked until the day he passed. To say he loved his job would be an understatement. It was work that allowed him to travel, socialize, problem solve, and provide. When asked just last week when he would retire, he said, “Why would I want to leave a party I’m having so much fun at?” In nearly 55 years at the company and as a Senior Sales Manager, he touched many lives. He often considered members of his team his family and mentored them through their careers and personal lives.
He loved being active. Over the course of his life, he enjoyed golf, tennis, jogging, hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, playing cards, taking a “ride” in the car, sitting on his porch, and later in life- caring for his grand-dog Louie and cooking daily meals for his family. Bill had many social circles and was a true people-person. He never said “no” to an opportunity to spend time with friends. He had impeccable comedic timing and a sense of humor that will live on in his children and grandchildren forever. We laughed with our dad every time we were with him.
“Gpa” was a devoted and present Grandpa who celebrated the unique differences of all of his grandchildren. He made an incredible impact on their daily lives and was a model of effortless kindness and generosity. He was a pillar of strength for his children and their spouses during the most difficult moments of their lives. Bill was the definition of integrity, planting seeds everywhere as a guidebook for us on how to live. He was tremendously proud of his family.
William C. Link, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, brother-in-law James Boyle, best friends Hank Bauers and Joe Kazale, extended family, and numerous friends. He is survived by his children William Link, Jr. (Tracy Link), Kelli Link (Dave Krause), and Amanda Link-Dudek (John Dudek); Ex-wife Phyllis; Grandchildren, William III, Jackson, Oliver, and Ruby; Step-Grandchildren Levi, Madison, and Kiley; Sister Mary Kay Boyle, nephew John, nieces Mary and Michelle and their extended families; Cousin and dear friend Rick Immler and many other extended family members and friends. Bill was excited to have his first Great-Grandchild on the way.
As a young boy, Bill was beat up daily on his walk to school because he looked different than most of his peers. After finally fighting back, he became good friends with those that had hurt and judged him. It is here that he began to model forgiveness, acceptance, and grace, which continued the rest of his life.
In honor of our loving Dad, please consider cultivating forgiveness, acceptance, and grace in your heart and into your actions. He only ever asked for “a kind word and a smile,” and never judged, which is a great place to start.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where a memorial visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the services. Monsignor Timothy Nolan will officiate. Burial of ashes, will take place in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Canton, following the services at the funeral home. To view Bill’s DVD or to leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
