Wendell Laybourn Link, age 92, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at SunnyBrook, Burlington, Iowa.

Wendell was born October 13, 1929, near LaHarpe, Illinois, to Lewis P. and Eva L. (Laybourn) Link. He married Eleanor Klossing in Dallas City, Illinois, on July 27, 1951. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2020.

Wendell was raised on a farm southeast of LaHarpe, attended Oak Hill country school and graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1947. He enlisted in the National Guard in November of 1950. A Korean War veteran, Wendell served in active duty from February of 1952 through September of 1953 in the 1st Field Artillery Observation Battalion, 44th Artillery Division. He also graduated from the Far East Command Chemical School at Camp Gifu, Japan. Sergeant Link was awarded two Bronze Stars for heroism.

Wendell was honored to serve on the board of directors for Hancock County FS for fourteen years. He was a longtime member of the American Legion, Farm Bureau, and the Union Church, where he served on the building committee. Wendell was an avid reader with a keen interest in geography. He traveled extensively in his lifetime. Wendell and Eleanor owned a condominium in Osage Beach, Missouri, for 11 years. They loved relaxing at the lake. He took great pride in his community and being a farmer.

Survivors include three children, Bradley (Sheila) Link of LaHarpe, IL, Barbara (Alan) Mehaffy of Burlington, IA, and Susan (Wayne) Bray of LaHarpe, IL; ten grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Pratt, Chatham, IL, Amanda (Michael) Donaldson of LaHarpe, IL, Teri Finch and Christopher Link, both of LaHarpe, IL, Brian (Amanda) Mehaffy of Blandinsville, IL, Mitchell (Jenna) Mehaffy of Cambridge, IL, Hayley (Joe) Lindquist of Burlington, IA, Randy (Kelsi) Bray of Colchester, IL, Kevin Bray and Paige Bray, both of LaHarpe, IL; one sister, Jean Louden of LaHarpe, IL; fourteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings, Louise Boren, Bob Link, Luella Bowen, Donald Link, Dorothy Kern, Wayne Link, and Leah Hicks.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the Union Church in LaHarpe with Rev. Bruce Geottsche officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Union Church or the LaHarpe Ambulance. To sign the guest book and leave a condolence for the family, please visit Wendell's obituary at banksandbeals.com.