Marion Link

Marion Elizabeth (Ellarson) Link, age 87, passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at her home with her family by her side. She was born on January 13, 1920 in Milwaukee the daughter of George and Millie (Schultz) Ellarson. Marion graduated from Bayview High School and Union Grove Normal School. She married Lyle Link of Big Bend on June 6, 1940. The couple began their married life farming and later moved to Waukesha where Lyle began a construction company. In addition to raising eight children, Marion and Lyle traveled the world and spent many happy winters on their beloved boat, the "Amiga". Marion was a humble, quiet activist in the community. She was a member of Church Women United serving as President, and on the Scholarship Committee and Jail Ministry. She worked with the CWU sewing group until a few months before her death, turning out countless pairs of pajamas for under priviledged children. Through CWU she also worked to establish the Hebron House and the Plow Shares/International Peace Organization in Waukesha. For decades she made soap and donated it to the Waukesha Historical Society as a fund raiser. She also demonstrated the skill to many school children at Hawk's Inn. Marion was active in the YWCA where she served on the Religious Resource Committee. She was a member of the Church Mission Board at First United Methodist Church. A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she maintained her membership until her death. In 2002, Marion, her daughters and daughter-in-law were awarded the first Family of Distinction Award by the YWCA. Marion will be sadly missed by her husband of 67 years, Lyle, their children Jeanne (David Smith) Link, Allen (Anne) Link, Betsy (Lowell) Wolf, Susan Link, Sally (Michael) Fritzsche, Nancy (Robert) Lorenz, Carolyn (Alex) Link-Polgardi, and Leslie (Rick) Paulus. She was the loving grandmother of Brian (Roxanne) Link, Sarah (Ed) Whorrall-Link, Sean Wolf, Devin (Amy) Wolf, Rachel Blado, Emily (Martin) Slotwinski, Ryan (Gillian) Fritzsche, Nathan Fritzsche, Benjamin Fritzsche, Jason (Andrea) Lorenz , Matt Lorenz, Allison Dreher, Carly Dreher, William Paulus and Hannah Paulus and proud great-grandmother to Lauren, Parker, Mac, Gus, Henry, Silas, Eliza, Louis and a great grandson on the way. She is further survived by her brother- in- law Warren (MaryAnn) Link, and sisters-in-law Jean Ellarson and Jo Ellarson, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John Ellarson and Robert Ellarson. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, 121 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha on Thursday, November 8, 2007 from 3:00 P.M. until the 6:00 P.M. funeral service. There will be reception at the church following the service. Interment will be held at a later date at Big Bend Cemetery. For further information or directions please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation, and Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com Special love and gratitude goes to our sister Susan for her care and devotion to Mom in her final years. And thank you to the nurses and staff of Rolland Nelson Crossroads Hospice for their compassion and guidance in Mom's final days. In lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated to the Hebron House 1601 East Racine Avenue #103 Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186 or the Waukesha County Historical Society 101 West Main Street Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186. Mom - you are truly a Woman of Distinction. We will hold you in our hearts always.