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BORN
1957
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Linke Obituary
Manistee, MI
06/07/1957 - 09/14/2025
Richard "Rick" Robert Linke Jr, age 68 of Manistee, MI, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday morning, September 14, 2025, in Tawas City, MI, while on a bike trip. He was born June 7, 1957, in Manistee and is the son of Marlene (Dahlke) Devlin and the late Richard Linke Sr.
He was a graduate of Manistee Catholic Central in the class of 1975.
Rick married the love of his life, Sara L. Fortier, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee. Together, Rick and his wife, Sara, owned and operated Linke Lumber Company in Filer City until selling the business and retiring in 2023. Prior to purchasing the family business, Rick was employed as a welder with Hardy Salt Company until its closing and also instructed welding courses taught at West Shore Community College.
Interests and hobbies: Rick enjoyed spending time with his family and also enjoyed avid motorcycle rides with his many friends.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sara; his mother, Marlene Devlin; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Jessica Linke and their children, Jaxon, Natalie and Calvin all of Wellington, FL; Colin (Stephanie) Linke and their son, Nathan; his daughter and son-in-law, Jackie (Ryan) Wahr and their children, Hailey and Haven, all of Manistee, MI. Rick is also survived by his siblings; brothers and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Linke Sr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee with Rev. James Bearss as celebrant. Burial of Rick's cremated remains will take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, also in Manistee, immediately following his funeral Mass. The family will be at Guardian Angels Church on Saturday morning, one hour prior to the funeral Mass, to receive friends.
Memorials have been established in Rick's name for the V.F.W. Walsh Post #4499 of Manistee and the Guardian Angels Church Preservation Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Church.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Linke
Joe & Karen Bockheim
September 27, 2025
I looked at my phone to see when we last communicated, it was 9/8/24. We were really looking forward to that next conversation. In the time since, we've thought about you a lot as we walk by the two track to the lake. Rick Linke was a beautiful man who had a great smile and positive presence, always so kind, fun and positive during visits. Losing Rick puts a load on our hearts. Sara and family, please know you're in our prayers. God bless.
Steve Kluesner
September 25, 2025
Was always a pleasure to see him at the lumberyard anytime that I stopped in and he was around. I hope any hardship due to his passing will be minimized
Christina
September 25, 2025
Rick, your kindness will be missed in this world.
Landry
September 23, 2025
It wuz nice to get ta meet u. We will miss you lotz
Rick (Duke) Willoughby
September 23, 2025
To Sara and family of Rick Linke I offer my sincere condolences for your loss of Rick.I have so many fond memories of Rick. Yes, the motorcycle rides the Blessing of the bikes each year in Baldwin Michigan. Our love for cars and many of our conversations over the years. It was so nice of you to stop by and chat with us at First Street beach just before you left for your last ride. I was so grateful how you treated me always at your lumber company. Finally, when I was hired in at AKZO Salt as a Supervisor I always appreciated your kindness and guidance each day while working at AKZO SALT. Rick you left us all way to soon in life brother. I for one will never forget you and always will cherish many conversations we shared. You were a fine young man. Prayers for your family and loved ones. Ride on little brother
Laurie Mae
September 23, 2025
So sorry to hear about this, God Speed Rick May you ride your Harley forever in Heaven with the Lord! RIP Rick
Joey Loish
September 23, 2025
Sincerest condolences to all Rick's family and friends. Growing up I watched him always look after his younger siblings. He took his family responsibility serious. Nice kid, cousin, husband, father and friend. RIP Rick
Tony Vartyak
September 23, 2025
You will be missed my friend!!
Max Rozum
September 22, 2025
I will certainly miss you and all the memories growing up with my second family in Michigan. RIP.
September 22, 2025
Kathy McBride
September 18, 2025
So sorry to hear of this.
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