Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Link Obituary
KENNETH LINK
GODFREY — Kenneth A. Link, 71, died at 11:42 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 at his home in Godfrey.
Born Aug. 18, 1946, in Belleville, he was the son of George and Grace (Winning) Link.
Ken married his high school sweetheart, Glenda Mary on Sept. 24, 1964.
Along with his wife of 53 years, he is survived by three children, Karen Walter (Keith) Of Omaha, Nebraska, Denise Pritchard of Alton, and Christopher Link (Jennifer) of Godfrey, five grandchildren, Katelyn Meyer (Andrew) of Omaha, Kelsie Walter of Ankeny, Iowa, Carley Link, U.S. Navy, Caleb Link of Alton, and Josephine Link of Godfrey, and two great- grandchildren, Audrey and Vincent Meyer of Omaha, Nebraska.
Ken retired from Boeing (McDonnell Aircraft) after 32 years in January 1999. He joined his wife working at their business Picture This and More in Alton for 23 years. Many of their customers became longtime friends. Ken held several offices in the Professional Picture Framers Association, St. Louis Chapter and was President of the International PPFA for two years. He was a talented musician and drummer for D D REVIVAL, Bud Schulz's Can't Beat Experience Jazz Band and the LCCC Jazz Band. He shared that interest with his son and grandson. He spent many summer vacations volunteering as percussion instructor with AHS Marching 100.
Ken also enjoyed golf and volunteered at Rolling Hills Golf Club during the summers. He enjoyed traveling, especially England and France. Ken was a life long learner, loved computers and anything technical. He enjoyed developing websites for several businesses and organizations. His latest interest was photography and he was preparing a website to share his photos.
He loved his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, missing very few birthdays, dance recitals and sporting events. Memories of his life will be cherished by his family and many who knew him.
A visitation will be from 4 until time of memorial service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 at the Godfrey First United Methodist Church. Reverend Steven Friese will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the Godfrey First United Methodist Church or St. Louis Children's Hospital NICU.
Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Link
John Ranes
January 7, 2018
Ken was a fellow professional framer who was dedicated to this profession and was always willing to share, learn and give to others, with his time and talent. I was fortunate to know this very gentle and kind person and even had the great opportunity to walk a few golf courses with him. He will be missed.
Colin & Jane O'Connor
December 30, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was a dear friend and colleague and it was so nice to see you both here in England three years ago. He will always be in our memories. God bless you and your family.
December 28, 2017
Glenda, just got an email from Robin Gentry. Marianne and I are very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. what a shock. Nothing but fond memories of him and you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Be well!
John and Marianne Pruitt
Ron Mason
December 28, 2017
Glenda, Pat and I just learned of Ken's passing. We want to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. We have fond memories of our times together at PPFA meetings, Ken was a great friend.
Terianne Turner
December 27, 2017
Glenda I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was one of the kindest people I ever met. I love you both. He will be missed. I am sorry that I missed the visitation, I just read of his passing. God bless you and you and your family are in my prayers.
Cleveland, Lisa and the Cox Family
December 21, 2017
We are sorry for your loss. I have nothing but good memories of Ken. I am happy to have known your family for many years. May your memories bring you comfort.
Julie Harvey
December 20, 2017
Denise,
I am so sorry for your family's loss of your dad. I hadn't seen him for many years, but I remember his smile as if it were yesterday! He and your mom always made me feel very welcome in your home.
Please accept my condolences and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers.
I, unfortunately, have experienced losing my dad, and it's rough. That's the bottom line for us that are left behind. Even knowing the comfort that he is with our Lord.
Maybe your dad and my dad are hanging out together and watching over us :-)
I'm going to share with you something my dad told me when my mom died. He said, she was never ours to begin with, she was a gift from God to us all those years.
That doesn't make the loss any less, but it did help me and give me some comfort. I hope it does the same for you
Sarah Kinder
December 20, 2017
My sympathy to you and your family. Prayers for your strength to maintain through the holidays and into the new year.
December 20, 2017
Only knew for the past 4 years. Great guy and music man. We will miss talking to him and hearing him play his drum set.
Larry Booher & Conner Caporal
December 19, 2017
Glenda & family:
Shocked to hear of Ken's passing. Just talked to him at a church function a week or so ago. Sharilyn and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
I used to play a lot of golf with Ken and he was a true friend and a great guy!
Don & Sharilyn Beem
Donna Amick
December 19, 2017
Glenda, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family with his strength at this time
Mickey (Blackard) Jamison
December 18, 2017
Glenda - I am so sorry to learn of Ken's passing. May God give you strength and comfort.
Tom Gillard
December 18, 2017
My wife Carol (Butkovich) and I were in the Piasa Indians with Ken (Kenny to us at the time.) for several years. Kenny and I spent so many hours practicing together, learning together, marching in parades and conpetitions and, yes, winning some national titles that we indeed lived in synch for hours each week. He was a good and supportive partner.
December 18, 2017
Sorry for you loss Chris. You dad was a hip dude. Andy Schulte
Jan Campbell
December 18, 2017
Dear Glenda and family...so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I hope you can find comfort in the memories you two made together with your family. Sincere sympathy to you all.
Pat List
December 18, 2017
Glenda, I am sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I didn't know him very well, but knowing you, I'm sure he was a very special person. I pray that you will be comforted by the Holy Spirit, and rejoice that he will be spending Christmas with his Savior.
December 18, 2017
I was shocked to learn of this sad news. Glenda, I pray for Ken, for you and for your family that you will find strength to help at this time. Fr. David Boase.
December 18, 2017
Glenda, so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I know he was the love of your life. Remember the good times. Gayvohn Robertson Bayley
Sheila Seitzinger
December 18, 2017
I am shocked and saddened by this news of Ken's death. He always had a smile on his face, and never met a stranger. May God's love surround your family, Glenda.
Tom Welsh
December 18, 2017
I so sorry to hear about Ken. We marched together in the Piasa Indians. Ken was an accomplished musician and marching instructor. Thanks for the memories Ken.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Link's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Link
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Link's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
