Marsha Jean Link

MARSHA JEAN LINK, 81, of Chester, Illinois, spirit was set free at 11:55 pm, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Chester, Illinois, surrounded by the prayers and love of her family. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her beautiful spirit is now restored and with the Lord.

Marsha was born to the late Charles Richard and Jean Margaret (nee Lewis) Link on May 27, 1944, in Hannibal, Missouri. Her father was to be in the first wave at Normandy Beach on D-Day, but was given a furlough for the birth of his first child, possibly saving his life.

Marsha married the love of her life, Dale Link, on June 4, 1966, at the First Presbyterian Church in Chester, Illinois, and has almost celebrated 60 years together. She always had fun telling people that she didn’t have to change her name because she was a Link who married a Link.

After spending time in St. Louis following her husband Dale’s return from Vietnam, the couple felt the pull of their hometown roots. They returned to Chester to embark on a 15-year adventure as the owners of Link’s New Moon. For over a decade, Marsha and Dale served more than just meals; they provided a gathering place for friends and family, earning a legendary reputation for serving the best fried chicken in the region. Following her years in the restaurant industry, Marsha worked as a receptionist and office manager for 17 years at the Chester Clinic.

Marsha never met a group she didn’t want to be a part of. She was a woman of many circles, finding joy and sisterhood in her Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Women’s Club, the Book Club, and the Card Club. Her commitment to Chester extended into her retirement, where she took immense pride in managing the hospital gift shop alongside her dear friend, Virginia Rowald.

Retirement allowed Marsha and Dale to travel, particularly their frequent escapes to the white sands of Siesta Key, Florida. When she wasn't traveling, she was likely cheering for her beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

However, her greatest pride wasn’t found in a club or a business, but in her title as "Memaw." She took her role as the matriarch seriously, doting on her "little basketball team" of five grandsons who were the absolute lights of her life.

A woman of faith, Marsha was a devoted member of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Chester.

Here on earth, she will continue to live on in each of our hearts until we are all together again.

Survivors:

  Husband:

     Dale Link

  2 Children:

     Michael Dale (Dana) Link

     Lisa Gayle (Scott) Clark

  5 Grandsons:

     Eli, Ethan, Brayden, Devin, and Nolan

  3 Siblings:

     Mary Gayle Viorel

     Chuck (Carol) Link

     Scott (Shalene) Link

Several Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law whom she loved as blood siblings and affectionately called “the other Links.”

Many Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces, and Great Nephews who adored their aunt, who had the kindest and sweetest heart

Memorial Service:

   2:00 pm, Saturday, May 23, 2026

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

   Fr. Sebastian Ukoh

Visitation:

   Saturday – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials:

   St. Mary’s Catholic School, Chester, Illinois