Dr. Rodney (Rod) L. Link, son of Herman and Frances (Hervert) Link, died on 13 September 2026 at the age of 92 at his home in Lincoln NE surrounded by family.

Rod was born at home on the family farm in 1934, 3 miles south of Sodtown, NE. The first house that his grandfather built after homesteading is still standing across from the house in which he grew up. When he was born, his parents couldn’t decide on a name and called him Bundy until his grandmother named him at 3 years old. He had to legally register his name when he entered the military as he was still Baby Boy Link.

Rod was an only child, and learned to enjoy solitary pursuits such as reading, riding his horse, hunting, fishing and swimming in a large pond near the house. He also was lucky enough to have many cousins and friends close by with whom he visited and got into trouble though he claimed to have spent a lot of time working on the farm.

The family attended the Sodtown Evangelical United Brethren Church (later United Methodist Church) along with many other extended family and friends. He often spoke of the games of baseball played after services.

Rod rode his horse to elementary school at Dist. 48 and 51 rural schools. As he told it “uphill into the snow both ways” life was hard in the 30’s.  He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1952. While in high school, he enjoyed band and sports. He also played in the Sodtown Band along with his parents, relatives, neighbors and eventually forcing his children as well.

He was in the first University of Nebraska Lincoln ROTC class, graduated from UNL and was commissioned into the United States Air Force. He earned his wings in 1958 and began his lifelong passion for flying.

While assigned to Andrews AFB. D.C., he met Kathryn (Kathy) Locker from Aruba, Dutch West Indies on a blind date in 1958. They were married on Dec 31, 1961, at his parents’ farm.

He served in the Air Force until 1962 and then attended Kansas State University Veterinary College from which he received his D.V.M. Upon graduating, they moved to Gibbon, NE, where they owned and operated the Gibbon Veterinary Clinic until 2008.  They were both active in Toastmasters and politics as Rod was the campaign manager for Congressional representative Virginia Smith during the 1980’s. They both enjoyed going on cruises around the world and traveling to Aruba each year. After the clinic closed, the couple moved to the family farm near Ravenna, NE and lived there until, due to Kathy’s deteriorating health, they moved to Lincoln, NE.

Rod was lucky enough to be able to spend his last several years with Margaret Ostermeyer who he had known since they were both in school in Ravenna. Her companionship made his life much richer for the past few years until she passed away in May 2026.

Rod’s military career started in pilot training at Spence AFB, GA, and then received his wings 1958.  He was stationed at Andrews AFB, Washington D.C. from 1958 until 1962, flying the F-102 and F-106 and sitting many hours on alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He transferred to the Kansas Air National Guard and flew the F-100C at McConnell AFB, KS while in Veterinary School. In 1966 he transferred to NE ANG and flew the RF-84F and RF4C. In 1981 he transferred into the Medical Corps in OH ANG, Springfield, OH as a Public Health Officer.

In 1989 Rod Transferred to The Air Force Reserve and was assigned as 10th AF Headquarters Public Health Officer, Bergstrom AFB, TX.  During the First Gulf War, Rod was assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, NC from August until March.  After the Gulf War, he had tours in Luke AFB, AZ; Richards Gebaur AFB, MS; Minneapolis Reserve Base, MN; and Greater Pitt Reserve Base, PA; and Homestead AFB, FL.  He finally retired as Colonel, Director of Public Heath, AFRes HQ, and Robins AFB, GA. His military career spanned 46 years.

In addition to the military and his Veterinary practice, he farmed after his father’s death in 1974 until 2000. He worked intermittently as a Veterinary Meat Inspector in USDA from 1967 until 2008 and was also employed by the Horse Racing Commission for Nebraska and Florida as a track veterinarian. He also enjoyed writing and published three novels.

Rod is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy (Locker) Link, his parents Herman and Frances (Hervert) Link, and grandson, Jordan Link.  He is survived by his children; Kathryn Link (Michael Cone), Susan Link (Darrin Swanson), Melissa Link (Bobby Fowler), and Jacob Link (Andrea) grandchildren: Emma and Spencer Cone, Grace and Mary Swanson, Isabel and Dawson Fowler, Aaron, Brendon, and Miah Link.

Rod spoke at length that he believed his greatest achievement was his family. We already miss him greatly and are grateful that he has passed on his love of singing silly songs, dancing in the kitchen, living room or any spot he could find with his children and grandchildren, as well as his overall zest for life. His priority of providing the best lives for his family both during and after his life is his legacy that we hope to continue in his honor for many generations.

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