Joseph Dennis Link, 77, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 1:12 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.
He was born on February 23, 1946, in West Point, Iowa, the son of Carl and Martha (Holtkamp) Link. On December 20, 1969, he married Mary Susan (Hatala) Link at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison.
He is survived by his wife: Mary; son: David (Amy) Link of Solon, Iowa; granddaughters: Morgan and Sophia and grandson: Jackson all of Solon; sisters: Maureen Kieler of West Point, Agnes (Steve) Koellner of Fort Madison; brothers: Bernard (Leah) Link of West Point, and Maurice (Ann) Link of Yankton, South Dakota; brother-in-law: Robert (Polly) Hatala of Cedar Rapids and several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: Norman and Cleo Hatala, and brother-in-law: Dan Kieler.
Joe was a 1964 graduate of the former St. Mary’s High School in West Point, and attended St. Benedict’s College and Iowa State University.
Joe was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Teamsters Local 238, and the former Prairie Hunters. He enjoyed playing euchre, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and always had a good “story” to tell about his adventures. At a very young age he learned to drive a truck because he wanted to see what was “all out there.” This led Joe to being a lifelong truck driver traveling both across the country and later the local area. When asked if he liked his job, he said, “I don’t like my job; I love my job!” He was also a twenty-five year cancer survivor.
After retiring, Joe really enjoyed the travels to Colorado, Texas, Niagara Falls, and driving on the backroads of the local area. His greatest joy was being with his grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.
Memorials have been established in his memory for the West Point Fire and Rescue, Calvary Cemetery or West Point Library.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements.
