Larry R. Link

Larry Link never knew a stranger. The combination of his outgoing, energetic personality and his impeccable integrity made him great at his job, a benefit to his church, and invaluable to his precious family. His positive outlook set the tone for his fellow employees and when the family received the heartbreaking news of his ALS, he helped sustain their optimism and hope. A selfless man who put his family first, Larry was an example to all who knew him of a person who could overcome adversity while maintaining his beliefs no matter what.

Larry was born on November 16, 1938, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, less than a year before the start of World War II in Europe. The son of William B. and Helen I. (Sylvester) Link, he wasnt really aware of the shadow of war looming over the globe, but he was familiar with sadness and personal challenges. He spent most of his childhood in Allen County, moving frequently, and his parents divorced. He later had two siblings, Bonita and Leslie.

For the first few years of high school, Larry lived with his mothers grandparents on their farm near Avilla. He learned many valuable life lessons there since he was given regular structure and personal responsibilities, both around the farm and as he helped take care of his great-grandfather. He was involved with the Avilla High Schools FFA program and was able to run track and cross country at school and set a tri-county cross country record that stood for over twenty years. Larry moved back to Ft. Wayne for his senior year and graduated from North Side High School with the class of 1957.

After graduation, Larry got a job working at the Fort Meyers Truck Stop off US 33 as a full-service fuel attendant. Little did he know how big of an impact that job would have on his life. A young woman named Marilyn Linnemeier worked as a waitress there and a friend of hers introduced her to Larry. The two fell in love and married after Marilyn graduated. November 7th, 1958, was the beginning of a lifetime of love, teamwork, challenges, and commitment when they exchanged vows at Marilyns church, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran. They made their permanent home in Ft. Wayne, building their life and family with their four children, Sherry, Kenton, James, and Scott.

Larry left his job at the truck stop and found short-term work at Lindenwood Cemetery, Eskay Dairy, and General Telephone. The Links pastor at the time recommended Larry to a Farm Bureau Insurance manager for an opening in the area, and Larry never looked back. On May 27, 1963, he started his forty-one year career with Farm Bureau. He completed the training and licensing programs that he needed and was a successful agent until his retirement from a full time agent on January 23, 2004.

Larrys heart for people and his desire to do what was best for his family made him passionate about his job. He wanted to be the best at what he did, not for bragging rights but because he took pride in a job well done. He was quoted saying, I love my job. I love the type of work I do. I wouldnt trade it for anything. The Farm Bureau Insurance Governor title, granted to the highest producer for life insurance in the state of Indiana, was an honor Larry earned three times and was runner up several times. He also had been among the Top 10 percent of the Trailblazers throughout his career and recipient of the National Quality Award numerous times. He was a member of the Ft. Wayne Life Underwriting Association and was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, recognized as the standard of excellence in the life insurance industry, for over twenty-five years.

Larrys hard work paid off in a variety of ways beyond his personal satisfaction in being good at his job. He also earned many trips over the years, enjoying locations like Rome, Mexico, Spain, London, and Hawaii as well as several fantastic cruises with Marilyn by his side. They were able to take the kids to Disneyworld often and as the children grew older, they purchased a cottage on Big Barbee Lake. The family spent many happy hours at the lake and Larry treasured the memories of boating and teaching the kids to water-ski. After retirement, Marilyn convinced Larry to spend five or six weeks in the winter in Florida to see Sherry and James and the grandchildren who lived there. Kenton would travel down from South Carolina and they all treasured the time together.

Larry stayed busy with work, church, and a little bit of free time. He gave much of his time to Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran as a faithful member and past officer. He saw it as a way to help others and encourage his familys growth and unity, so it was time well spent. He also had been a Boy Scout Leader and Cub Master. Larrys favorite outdoor pastime was golf. He loved it and was constantly working on his game until he was diagnosed with ALS in 2008. It was a tough time for him and the family, but Larry never quit. Despite the many physical challenges, he made the most of whatever opportunities came his way. He had to give up driving in 2013, a serious blow to his morale, but he kept moving forward.

Even with ALS, Larry and Marilyn made the trip to South Carolina two short weeks before his death. He fell ill shortly after returning home and died at home in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 31, 2016. He leaves his family with wonderful memories, the assurance of his love, and the example of a man who faced lifes challenges with courage, optimism, and determination.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Marilyn Link; children, Sherry (Mark) Bernstein of Gotha, Florida, Kenton (Patricia) Link of Mullins, South Carolina, James (Victoria) Link of Longwood, Florida, and Scott (Cindi) Link of Huntertown, Indiana; a sister, Bonita (Richard) Camp of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and grandchildren, Josh Link, Ryan Bernstein, Andrea Link, and Levi Link. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leslie Babcock; and father and mother-in-law that were like his own parents, Herbert and Bertha (Thiele) Linnemeier.

Visitation will be Friday, August 5, 2016, from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 W. California Rd., Fort Wayne. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior at the church. Pastor Bill Mueller will be officiating. Larry will be laid to rest in the Last Supper section of Covington Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, ALS Association, or Heartland Hospice. You may visit www.demoneygrimes.com to share condolences and sign Larrys online guest register.