Rev. Robert "Bob" Link

Rev. Robert "Bob" Link: A Life Well-Lived, A Story Well-Told

Robert "Bob" Link, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, retired United Methodist minister, District Superintendent, Police Chaplain and dedicated Rotarian, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on October 23, 1933, in a farmhouse outside of Des Moines, Iowa, Bob lived a life defined by faith, service, and a colorful Irish wit.

Bob often shared the story of his early years, beginning in the Great Depression as the second child of a young truck driver, George Edgar Link, who may or may not have occasionally helped the mob, and a beautiful Irish maiden, Ora Juanita Lett. After early struggles, Bob and his older brother Noel, were raised by his grandparents: a Tenant Farmer and carpenter who was "Irish as you can get from Cork," and his grandmother, a Quaker and matriarch of the family with a pot of soup on the stove and an open door for family. He credited his grandparents with teaching him life's most important lessons: love, sharing, and the acceptance of people as they are.

While attending East Des Moines High School, Bob applied to the FBI, recounting how they also interviewed his nervous friends and family. He also pursued a career in radio, nearly taking a job at KSO radio station. His path changed after his minister encouraged him to pray about entering the ministry- a prayer that changed his life forever as it also introduced him to Gin who wanted to marry a minister. He met Virginia Cresap, a farmer's daughter from Altoona when their Methodist Youth groups were combined. Bob was a graduate of Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa and Bob and Gin were married before his Senior year in college, beginning a remarkable partnership of 58 years complete with three children. He received his Master of Divinity from Garret Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

Together, Bob and Gin served United Methodist churches in Eldena, Illinois, Nevada, Iowa, Butte, Montana, Castle Rock, Loveland and Thornton, Colorado, culminating in a six-year term where Bob served as a District Superintendent, counseling 45 churches in Wyoming and Northeast Colorado. After retiring from active ministry, Bob continued his commitment to service as a founding member of the Loveland Police Chaplains and rejoined the Rotary Club of Loveland. Bob and Gin travelled to over 35 countries, leading tours to the Holy Land, England and Russia and as members of the Bishop's Mission Teams to Asia and Africa.

Bob's legacy included building congregations and buildings, leading Marriage Enrichment Workshops, communication classes, counseling and teaching Adult Sunday School. At night he would ride with the police as a Police Chaplain and would share a wild story or two at breakfast with the kids. During a 3-day blizzard, he opened the Castle Rock church for 150 stranded travelers and in Butte, Montana, he learned how to drive a snow mobile, fly a plane with the Civil Air Patrol, and served as the only Protestant minister in a town full of Catholic miners. Bob would tell his congregation, "Be good, and if you can't be good, tell them you're Baptist." He will be missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George Edgar Link and Ora Juanita Lett, and his beloved wife, Virginia, who passed away October 3, 2012.

He is survived by his children: Dr. David Wayne (Sandi) Link of Windsor, CO, and Karen Denise Link of Loveland, CO. His youngest son Daniel and wife Holley passed 2006 and 2004. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Rachel (Danny Hollweg) Emily, and Davis Link, and India (Jordan) Breisacher and her family, Noah and Tanzy Halliburton-Link; his brother Raymond (Judith) Link and sister Grace Marlene Nelson, and treasured nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Bob's life and faith will be held on January 10th, at 1 PM at the First United Methodist Church, Loveland, CO. Light refreshments will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Loveland, Rotary Club of Loveland, or Special Olympics.