Obituary of Elmer E. Link Jr.

Elmer E. Link Jr.

Bay City, MI

Elmer was born April 21, 1933 in Saginaw, to Elmer E. Link Sr. and Mary C. Link.  He passed away in his sleep at Auburn Heights Senior Care on February 25, 2025, at the age of 91.

Elmer graduated from Central High School in 1951.  He earned his B.A. and M.A. Degrees from CMU.  He was employed as a teacher and counselor with the Bay City Public Schools, retiring in 1986.

Elmer married Jeanine A. Zittel from Saginaw and they recently celebrated their 65^TH Anniversary. Jeanine survives him, along with sons, Elmer E. Link III, of Bay City MI and Eric D. (Catha) Link, of Peshastin WA; grandchildren, Justin E. (Sarah) Robinson of Tulsa OK, Kayla (Austin) Vennix of Auburn, Sara (Eric) Grauf of Holland MI, Elora (Enea) Exhenry of Seattle WA, and Otto V. Link of Sturgeon Bay WI; nine great-grandchildren with two more due in June and October; brother-in-law, Brad Zittel of Meridian ID; sister-in-law, Suzanne M. Booth of Midland MI; nephew, David M. Booth; niece, Sarah Weisbarth; and many extended family and friends.

Elmer’s love for hunting, fishing, and sailing led him to beautiful destinations in North America.  He also enjoyed working with wood, building 2 lovely homes for his growing family.  He did much of the work himself, installing a Cedar Shake roof on the last home.  It took 3 months working after school and on weekends, and it was a work of art, lasting over 40 years.

During the Pandemic, Elmer was fortunate to spend 3 physically strong years living with Eric and Catha.  He enjoyed the mountain views wile walking their 3 lap dogs.  The oldest, Fuzzy, slept with him nightly.  Elmer regularly attended Eric’s music gigs, singing and dancing to his favorites, while sporting his bearded, mountain-man look.  He was well received by friends and locals for which our family is grateful.

Memberships at the Bay County and Crump Gun Clubs kept Elmer busy.  He attended Unity of Bay City church, serving as an Usher and Building Maintenance volunteer. 

Special thanks to all of the relatives, friends, and neighbors for their prayers and support throughout Elmer’s health challenges.  Also, thanks to the staff at Auburn Heights for the exceptional care and compassion Elmer received while living there.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the New Furnace Fund at Unity of Bay City.

As per Elmer’s wish, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.