Ferdinand L. "Fritz" Link

Ferdinand Leonard ("Fritz") Link, beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and friend, died peacefully on Jan 23, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Fritz was born on July 15, 1936, in Stevens Point, WI to Leona (Leiser) and Leonard Link. He lived a full life by his devotion to family, friendships, faith and his community.

Fritz was preceded in death by Agie (Tauscher), the love-of-his-life and wife of over 65 years, parents, and siblings Marjorie, Caroline, June, Betty, John and Mary. He is survived by: brothers Huntz (Marilyn) Link and Paul (DeDe) Link of Wis Rapids; brothers-in-law Ray Wolosek, WI and Rev Donald Tauscher, MN and sisters-in-law Doris Tauscher of MN and Dianne Tauscher of WI.

Above all else, Fritz was an involved family man. He and Agie were parents to: Lori Link, WI; Sharon Link (Bob Lewis) MN; Doug Link (Beth), WI; Mary Hobbib (Tom), CA; and Tricia Link, CA. He was a fun-loving grandpa or "Bugga" to: Erica Farina (Steve), Sarah Hall (Kenyon), Hunter Link, Jacob Link and Ryan and Kristina Hobbib. He was a proud great grandfather to Aiden Farina.

Whether attending the many school functions, taking the kids for a drive or ice cream or playing in the yard with his beagle, Fritz made time with his family a cherished focus even during his busy work weeks.

Growing up in Wis Rapids, Fritz attended SS Peter and Paul grade school and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954. During that time, he held a variety of jobs including newspaper carrier, summers at the cannery and work at his father's deli market. He excelled in math and business studies which led him to an internship at Consolidated Papers.

In 1955, Fritz enlisted in the Army serving in Babenhausen, Germany as a company clerk and chaplain's assistant until 1957. He returned to work in the office at Consoweld where he was introduced to his future spouse Agie, a secretary in the marketing department.

They married October 1958 at St Kilian's Catholic Church in Blenker, WI.

Fritz worked part-time at the Standard station that he would later own for 35 years, "Link's Standard Service" (later Amoco). He enjoyed running the daily garage operations, servicing customers and mentoring the younger staff who were often from the local high schools. He received a "Cornerstone of the Community" award in 1995. When interviewed, Fritz recalled "I know 95% of customers by their first names. The people are the best part of the job--customers and employees." Kids of all ages have fond memories of Fritz handing out a candy treat when their parents stopped into the shop!

Fritz's favorite pastimes often involved outdoors--gardening, camping or hunting with family and friends. Great memories were made "up North" at Fence Lake and Lake Windigo. Deer camp was another special place--multigenerational friends having fun and sharing stories. "Daylight in the swamp!". He and Agie supported a variety of Assumption high school activities as well as local events including Little League, bowling teams, car washes and student fundraisers. He later proudly added 'Badger Dad' to his list with five children graduating from UW Madison. Fritz was a lifelong Packers and Brewers fan and avid NASCAR follower. The family belonged to SS Peter & Paul parish for many years and later St Lawrence parish. He remained curious about things he read and people he met.

A celebration of Fritz's life is planned for Thursday, February 19th at St Lawrence Catholic Church in Wis Rapids. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00am, prior to the 11:00am funeral mass. A luncheon will follow immediately at the church. Online condolences may be sent to Ritchay Funeral Home at: www.ritchayfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to Assumption High School or to your local food pantry would be welcomed.

The family deeply appreciates everyone who took time for Fritz and his family along the way, especially this past year. He so enjoyed the visits and conversations at Arborwood. A special thank you to close friends for their continued kindness and support and to the staff of Arborwood Lodge and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care and smiles.

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.