mily and friends. She was always ready to play a good game of euchre, and enjoyed quilting, especially with the ladies in Buenie. Esther is survived by 7 children: Gerald (Phyllis) Link, James "Jim"(Linda) Link, David (Judy) Link, Joy (Mike) Behnke, Carol Link, Jean (Mark) Kohn, and Greg (Sue) Link, all of Dubuque; 2 foster children: Charles (Rita) Wagner and Donna (Verlon) Bailey to whom she was "Mom-For-A-Little-While"; 12 grandchildren: Patty (Rich) Berrier, Cathy (Grant) Copic, Eric (William) Link, Neal (Kim) Link, Jason (Shannon) Link, Jolene (Dan) Koopmann, Dawn Link, Tricia and Laura Behnke, Chris (Sara) Kohn, Darren (Sherese) Kohn, and Brian Link; 13 great-grandchildren; 9 step-children: Lorna Paisley, Dennis (Sharon) Hefel, Beverly (Bill) Rettenmeier, Connie Kintzle, Mary Kay "Punkie" (Phil) Birkel, Brian (Dianne) Hefel, Trudy Hefel, Amy Eudaley, and Shawn (Perry) Bromen; and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Link (in infancy); a grandson, Jeffrey Link; a great-granddaughter, Samantha "Sammie" Link; a foster daughter, Carol (Eugene) Laugesen; 5 sisters: Thelma Schmidt (in infancy), Marie (John) Spielbauer, Alvina (Elton) Riddle, Rosina (William) O'Toole, and Walburga "Rita" (John) Pothoff; 2 brothers, Wilfred (Marie) and Leonard (Anna) Schmidt; and 2 sisters-in-law: Stella (Wilbur) Saylor and Irma (John) Beitzel. Esther was the epitome of Christian kindness, and dedicated her life to helping others. Her home was always open, and she made the best kneffles and apple crisp, and served them up with heaps of common sense, comfort, and understanding. We are all better people for having known and loved her. In lieu of flowers, an Esther Link Memorial Fund has been established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Esther's niece, Mary CR Schmidt, Dr. Kristin Nelson, and to Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Esther. To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.leonardfuneralhome.com/notices/Esther-Link