Michael J. Link

Michael J. Link, 64, of Bourbonnais, passed away Friday (Aug. 21, 2015) at his home. He was born March 15, 1951, in Kankakee, the son of Norbert and Eleanor Garski Link. Michael married Michelle "Shelly" Lambert on July 21, 1972, at St. George. Michael was an 18-year employee of A.O. Smith, followed by 20 years at U.S. Filter/Stranco. He had a deep love for his family and his seven grandchildren, who always brought an infectious smile to his face. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed the annual family trip to Shawano Lake in Wisconsin. Mike was an extreme sports follower and an avid White Sox fan. He enjoyed traveling and gambling in Las Vegas, following the Chicago Bears to Nashville and New Orleans and touring through the beauty of fine places with family and friends. He was a loyal member of the Tiny Tap family and always brought a good time to those around him. Michael fought the four-year battle with brain cancer with courage and dignity, always armed with strength. He will be missed by family and friends. Surviving are his wife, of Bourbonnais; one son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Aimee Link, of Bourbonnais: two daughters and two sons-in-law, Neelie and Greg Panozzo, of Bourbonnais, and Becky and Steve Jefferson, of Kankakee; one sister, Sharon Link, of Kankakee; three brothers and three sisters-in-law, Donald and Pattie Link, of Kankakee, Paul and Deb Link, of San Jose, Calif.; Phillip and Mary Link, of Fergus Falls, Minn.; seven grandchildren, Mason Prairie, Mattie Prairie, Dominic Panozzo, Chloe Jefferson, Kaylee Jefferson, Olivia Jefferson, and Harper Link; his mother-in-law, Kay Lambert, of Bourbonnais; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Bourbonnais, with the Rev. Richard Pighini officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley or the American Brain Tumor Association. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley - hkvcares.org or the American Brain Tumor Association- www.abta.org/

Michael J. Link

March 15, 1951 - August 21, 2015