Don Link

Fortified with the Holy Sacraments of the Church, on Monday, August 31st, Donald Wayne Link, passed into eternal life with his family by his side. Don touched many lives with his business acumen, humor and unwavering spirit. Born on January 9, 1943 (he loved to frequently thank his Momma for his great birthdate!), Don was the beloved son of the late Lester and Dorothea (Mueller) Link. Don is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sharon (Tresch) Link, his daughter Julie (Evan) Olson, stepchildren Jennifer (Bill Heisse) Sharamitaro, Tony (Abby) Sharamitaro and Joe (Jamie) Sharamitaro. PaPa to Brennan Olson, McKenna Olson, Joshua Sharamitaro, Nicholas Williams, Charlie Sharamitaro, Amelia Sharamitaro, Will Sharamitaro, Lucas Sharamitaro, Joseph Sharamitaro, brother to Beverly (Tom) Conduff, uncle to Staci (Scott) Cooper, great-uncle, cousin, and friend. Don was preceded in death by his loving son, Kendall, whose loss left an immeasurable mark in his heart.

Don was born in Litchfield, Illinois and moved to Seneca, Missouri at the age of 5 where he attended elementary and high school. He was an excellent athlete and was named All Conference for high school basketball. Along with basketball, Don also played baseball, football and track. Don attended Southwest Missouri State and Rankin Technical College, but his interest was drawn to a summer job as a boilermaker in field construction in 1965 and went on to business agent and elected vice president. Don was then elected to the office of Business Manager, Secretary-Treasurer of the Boilermaker's Local Lodge #27 for 18 years. Don loved being a boilermaker! He represented union members in Field Construction, Heating & Treating, Railroads, Special Linings and Steel Plate Fabrication in fifty-one counties in eastern Missouri. In 1983 Don was instrumental in the formulation and passage of H.R. 1060 the "Boiler and Pressure Vessels Act". Don served as a member of the first Boiler and Pressure Vessels Rules Board in 1985. In 1993, he was appointed Trustee to the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker's National Pension and Annuity Fund. He served on Boilermaker's Missouri River Basin Negotiations Committee, Great Lakes Boilermaker's Apprenticeship Board, St. Louis Building and Constructions Trades, Missouri State Building and Trades, St. Louis Port Council, Industrial Relations Research Association, and New Spirit of St. Louis Labor Management Committee.

Don was also appointed as a St. Charles Democratic 5th Ward Committeeman, a Special Deputy of St. Charles County and a City of St. Louis Honorary Deputy.

One of Don's greatest passions was being an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Whether he was watching a game from his favorite seat in his house or at the stadium, he talked baseball as a devoted, loyal fan, through every win, loss, extra inning, player trade, and more. He and his wife Sharon, attended Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida for 23 consecutive years and were long-time season ticket holders. He also loved being a fan of the St. Louis football Cardinals, the St. Louis Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Being a grandfather was one of the greatest joys of Don's life. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and loved nothing more than watching them play sports. Whether it was sitting in the stands, cheering from the sidelines, or talking about the game afterward, Don was their biggest fan. He celebrated their victories, encouraged them through the tough games, and was always there to let them know how proud he was. His presence at their games was a reminder that they were loved, supported, and always had someone cheering them on.

He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the joy he brought to others. His laughter, his dancing, his love of Elvis, and the countless memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

Don will be in our hearts forever.

Sharon and Don loved their community at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Don volunteered accounting, organizing fundraisers, cooking meals for the shelter, and bartending at Trivia Nights and other church functions.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or St. Luke's Hospital Infusion Center.