Marlyn Ruth (Ehlers) Link

Marlyn Ruth (Ehlers) Link passed away on October 19, 2016 in Dubuque at age 85.  She was born September 17, 1931, in Morrison, Iowa to Orlyn and Velva Ehlers.  Her parents divorced early in her childhood and she and her older sister, Evelyn and younger brother, Chuck and the family dog, Skip were raised by their mother in Dubuque. 

While her childhood wasn’t easy, she relished the summers she spent with her cousin Beverly’s extended family in the farming communities around Morrison and Reinbeck, Iowa. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1949 and went to work at Farley and Leotcher.

In 1953, a handsome young Marine, James J. Link, asked her to marry him.  Despite spending the astounding sum of $38.10 on “booze” for the reception, the union lasted 62 years until Jim’s passing in 2015.  Marlyn retired from the working world in 1959 to devote herself to what would be her life’s vocation, being a devoted wife to Jim and loving mother to sons, Rick and Mike.  As so many women of her generation did, she took the cleanliness and orderliness of her home as a proof of her love and a badge of honor.  Meals were always meticulously prepared and punctual, clothes washed and ironed and the house kept spotlessly clean.  In later years friends and family often joked that Marlyn waited for each speck of dust to land so she could wipe it away.  While her duty was in her household, her joy was in the company of others.  Marlyn was extraordinarily social and never met a stranger.  She would share a hug and laugh with anyone.  In fact, she had such a cackle of a laugh, she earned the family nickname of “Russell” after legendary Celtic basketball player and announcer, Bill Russell.  Later in life, many of her dearest friends evolved around Jazzercise, something she relished participating in all the way up to age 82.  Particularly in her later, more difficult years, the love and kindness she felt from this group was so comforting and supportive.  The family is so eternally grateful to all of you.  Undoubtedly, the single most important members of this Jazzercise family were the Sullivan family.  With her own grandchildren many miles away, being able to spoil the six Sullivan kids as surrogate grandkids and have the love and comfort of Anita, the daughter she never had, was a true blessing. 

Finally, the Link family would like to acknowledge Marcy and the entire Wilker clan who enveloped Marlyn in their love, when she was most vulnerable and needed it most.  Words will never be able to express the gratitude Marlyn’s friends and family feel for all you have done. 

Marlyn is survived by sons, Rick (JoEllen), Mike (Kelly) and grandchildren: Katie, Hannah, Julia and Ronan and sister, Evelyn and brother, Chuck. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Hospice of Dubuque.

Joint memorial services for Mr. and Mrs. James J. and Marlyn (Ehlers) Link will be on Saturday, November 19th, 2016. Gathering of family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Memorial Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Committal services will follow at Center Grove Cemetery with a military flag presentation for James by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

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