Vincent Link
Vincent Link, 104, died peacefully at his rural Aurora home, June 5, 2023. He was born October 17, 1918, to Louis and Bertha (Gregory) Link on the family homestead north of Chase, Kansas.
He attended school in Chase and graduated high school in 1936.
Due to the Great Depression, a job was impossible to find. However, Vincent got a tip from an uncle that a construction crew was needing volunteers to help build the Catholic school in Chase. He volunteered and after only two days of observing his skills, the construction leader offered Vincent a job at 30 cents an hour! He then traveled with the crew building schools and other structures until receiving a letter that he was "selected" to serve in the armed forces for one year.
That one year obligation became four years of serving in the army during World War II. Vincent was stationed at Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands when it was attacked by the Japanese navy, earning him a Bronze Star. He was sent to Europe and was in Germany when he received the sad notice that two of his three other brothers also in the war, had died serving their country. Thus his combat obligation ended and he returned home to the states. After the war ended, Vincent was quickly hired back by the same construction company.
One evening while in Chase at a church dance, some young students wanted Vincent to dance with their teacher, Miss Martina Flynn. They were married at Martina's home parish, St. Peter's Catholic Church in Meredith Township, Cloud County, on June 2, 1947. A few years later, the couple purchased a farm adjacent to the church where they were wed.
Vincent began a long career in farming and raising livestock. Over the years, Vincent earned several farming and conservation awards. He also used his construction skills to build a new home on the property for his family. Martina died November 3, 1963.
On August 9, 1973, Vincent married Roberta Tholstrup Moe. The couple enjoyed 42 years of marriage until her passing on June 5, 2015.
Vincent resided on the farm from 1950 to his passing. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church until its closing but remained as a cemetery business volunteer.
Vincent served on the board of the former neighborhood school Cottonwood District 62. He also served several terms on the board of the Cloud County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Concordia Moose Lodge.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Teresa Owens; brothers Gregory, Russell, Norbert, Raymond, Clifford and Kenneth; his granddaughter, Carrie Brayton; granddaughter-in-law, Krystal Link.
He is survived by his children, Albert (Terri), Centennial, CO; Marita Link, Lenexa, (fiancé, Bob Overcash, Gravois Mills, MO); Tom (Peggy), Manhattan; Karen Gerstenkorn (Ray), Topeka; Gerald (Deanna), Delphos; Susan Brayton (Mike), Glasco; and Ann Schaefer (Henry), Wichita. His grandchildren, Ben Link, Martina Richardson, Katie Link, Tyler Link, Justin Stahlman, Amy Link, Lance Link, Grady Brayton, Joe Schaefer and John Schaefer; and eight great-grandchildren.
He also leaves his stepchildren, Renee (Nick) Speltz, Reta (Kevin) Cailteux, Rachelle Zaragoza and Doug (Michelle) Moe; numerous step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia with Fr. Steven Heina & Fr. Mark Wesely officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Meredith Township Catholic Cemetery, rural Concordia, KS with military honors by Ft. Riley, American Legion Post #76 & VFW Post #588.
Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 with the family receiving friends after the Rosary Service. A Rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home Concordia, KS
Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church; St. Mary's Catholic Church, Glasco; or St. Peter's Cemetery Fund. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.