Mark Shane Link, 60, of Brimfield, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 12:55 pm.

Mark was born April 20, 1954, in La Harpe, Illinois, the son of Merrill Robert Link and Georgia Sheffler Link Cox. He married Kristina Diane Crague of La Otto, IN on November 26, 1999, in Greentown, IN; she survives, along with his mother.

Also surviving are one son, Cole Merrill Link of Wamsutter, Wyoming; four daughters, Shelby Lynn Link of Morrison, IL; and Celsey Marie, Rachel Diane and Lydia Mae Link, all of Brimfield, IL; one brother, Daniel Link of La Harpe, IL; and four sisters, Selia Schmidt of Eldridge, IA; Lila (Wendell) McKeown of Fountain Green, IL; Brenda (Steve) Peterburs of Morton, IL; and Tracy (Jeff) McDowell of La Harpe, IL. Mark was preceded in death by his father.

Mark was a horseman, cattleman and a 32nd degree Mason with the La Harpe Lodge #195. He also farmed in La Harpe from the age of 17 until he moved to Brimfield in 1997. He said if he were to win the lottery, he would go back to farming, which was his lifelong passion. He owned and operated Spring Creek Equine Facility, where he and his family held many horse shows, including Team Penning and the Ranch Sorting competitions. His daughter, Celsey, traveled to shows with her Dad.

Mark loved to help those around him, often plowing his neighbors driveways after snowfalls, and made many items for the St. Jude Auction at Jubilee Park.

Marks family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many friends and family members who helped out during his fight with cancer. We feel very blessed to be surrounded by so many people that love Mark.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elmwood United Methodist Church in Elmwood, IL. Pastor Brad Watkins will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Haskell-Hott Funeral Homes in Princeville. Cremation will be accorded and a burial of his ashes will be held at LaHarpe Cemetery in La Harpe, IL on September 27 at 10:30 a.m. Masonic Last Rites will be conducted by the La Harpe Lodge during the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an education fund set up for his children at Princeville State Bank.