Kathryn Jane Manifold Link, 92, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 3:22 P.M. at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born in LaHarpe Township on May 11, 1918, the daughter of A. R. and Helen Harris Manifold. On May 11, 1942 she married John Edwin Link in LaHarpe. They resided on and farmed the family farm until 1979. He preceded her in death on January 23, 1994.

She graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1935 and from Park College, Parkville, Missouri in 1939. She taught rural schools in Hancock County until her marriage. In 1964 she returned to teaching and taught in area high schools for 13 years. Following her retirement from teaching, she was editor of the Hancock County Quill for three years.
From early adulthood, Kathryn was always interested in youth and her community as evidenced by her leadership in forming the first permanent Girl Scout Troop in LaHarpe, the Two Rivers Council of Girl Scouts, LaHarpe Community Council, and LaHarpe School Band Boosters. She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Rene Cossitt Jr. Chapter Daughters of American Revolution, and the Henderson County and Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Kathryn was a member of the LaHarpe Union Church where she had taught Sunday School, served on Vacation Bible School and various committees.

She is survived by 6 children, John L. (Leila) Link of LaHarpe, Nina (Arnold) Boyer of Carthage, Illinois, Jane (Edwin) Goldhammer of West Burlington, Iowa, Lyle (Eileen) Link of Lewistown, Missouri, Rex (Cheryle) Link of Wellman, Iowa and Ann (Morton) Carrel of Dekalb, Illinois, 15 grandchildren, Joani Wilson, Lisa (Jeff) Howd, Susan (Tom) Weiss, Steve (Marcy) Boyer, Janet (Sam) Warner, Jennifer Jennings, Karen (David) Williams, Mary (Greg) Hurlburt, John W. Link, Steven Link, Tony (Tara) Link, Joshua Link, Mike (Carla) Link, Lori Jackson, Gary (Shana) Jackson, 31 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, 2 sisters, Helen E. Koring and Lois Painter and 1 great-grandson.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. Bruce Goettsche officiating. Burial will be in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call after 3:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Union Church.To read Rev Goettsche's message, click here .