Edward Link

Edward J. Link was an honest and caring man who lived his life dedicated to his family and his faith. He was a hardworking and generous person; an active and attentive father. Edward tried every day to be the best man he could, and was rewarded with a life of happiness for his efforts.

In 1921, the nation buried the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery and suffered the most violent race riot ever in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But 1921, was also a carefree time, reflected in song hits such as “Ain’t We Got Fun.” The first Miss America was chosen that year and women were swooning over Rudolph Valentino in the movie “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” On May 25, 1921, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Edward J. Link was born, an event that would shape the future generations of his family.

Young Edward grew up and lived his life in Grand Rapids. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Union High School in 1940. After graduation, Edward followed his patriotic duty and enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years as an Electrician’s Mate. He proudly served aboard the USS Edgar G. Chase, which was a convoy escort to England and the Middle East.

One momentous night while attending a Union High School and Catholic Central High School football game, Edward met a young lady named Mary Muenzenmeyer. It was not long before Edward realized that Mary was the woman he was going to marry, and after a three-year courtship, they exchanged wedding vows on April 4, 1945, at the St. Francis Xavier Church and have enjoyed nearly 59 years of marriage. The Link family quickly grew with the births of their five children: David, who died in Vietnam in 1968 (KIA), Janet, William, Lawrence and Joseph. It was no secret that Edward was an excellent father. He always wanted to spend time with his children and stayed active in all of their lives. His children have fond memories of their father coaching their grade school baseball team at St. John Vianney. They also liked the fact that with their father as coach, they were guaranteed to play in every game. Fishing was also one of their favorite pastimes together. Even though they weren’t able to go as often as they would like, they came to appreciate it all the more.

Besides being a dedicated father and husband, Edward also worked for 32 years as an industrial electrician through the Local 107 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His profession took him throughout Michigan on major projects. He later joined the Local 1231 working maintenance at General Motors for ten years.

His church and his love for the Lord were always very important to Edward. He attended St. Mary’s Church for 30 years and the Holy Spirit Church for the last 10 years. It was equally important to him that his children were brought up with a strong Catholic faith.

Edward had many interests to keep him busy after retirement. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and hunting, usually for rabbit and deer. He especially enjoyed the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. Edward was also a talented handyman and the remodeling in his home reflected this. Not one with complex taste, Edward preferred a nice steak on the grill and the aroma of a homemade apple pie, especially made by his mom, always brought a smile to his face. He also had a soft spot for his daughter’s dogs and took great enjoyment in caring for them. Of all the wonderful things in Edward’s life, spending time with his family towered above the rest. His most cherished possession was his father’s old watch, which holds many treasured memories.

Edward J. Link passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was preceded in death by his son, David Link, who died in Vietnam in 1968 (KIA), sisters, Rosemary and Gracie. He is survived by his wife Mary Link; children: Janet (Don) Stiles of Cedar Springs, William (Mary Jane) Link of Grand Rapids, Lawrence Link of Holland, Joseph Link of Grand Rapids; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Walter (Mary) Muenzenmeyer of Grand Rapids, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW, with interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Thursday, March 18, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, where the Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass. You may read Edward’s life story, leave a memory, sign the guest book, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Holy Spirit Educational Fund by visiting www.lifestorynet.com. Arrangements handled by Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes

Edward Link was a loving and caring father, who throughout his life strove to be the best father and husband possible. He leaves a legacy of faith and commitment for his children and grandchildren, and his deeds and actions were an inspiration to those that knew and loved him.