Charles Leo “Chuck” Link, age 72, of rural Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. He was born March 5, 1954 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Charles Luther and Polly Marilyn Masters Link. On May 27, 1972, he married Donna Marlene Nichols in Stronghurst.
Chuck farmed in Media Township most of his life. He also worked as a mechanic for Cole Implement in Media, and later for Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement in 2016. He loved the land, and farming was a very important part of his life. He also enjoyed playing cards, visiting with his friends and neighbors, going for car rides in the country to look for deer and other wildlife, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Donna, three daughters, Jennifer (Mike) Wood of Smithshire, IL, Robyn (Phil) Long of Stronghurst, Kristina Link, of Stronghurst, seven grandchildren, Logan (Tasha Giddings) Wood, Trey (Morgan) Wood, Zach (Katie Kaminski) Wood, Carson Long, Reagan Long, Hannah (Zachary Brewer) Long and Maddie Link, one great granddaughter, Isabella Wood, a bonus granddaughter, Faith (Ian) Brandon, two bonus great grandchildren, Taylor and Elaina Brandon, one sister, Vicki (John) Keane of Media, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Rick Link.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Stronghurst Christian Church. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a. m. at the church, followed by burial in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, near Media. A memorial fund is being established and will be designated later. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
