11/09/2025
Jane Adele Link
July 2, 1949 — November 2, 2025
The Board of the Milan Village Arts School was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Jane Link and offers its deepest condolences to the family.
Jane Link was one of the founders of the Milan Village Arts School, the first coordinator, a tireless volunteer and fundraiser, an avid class participant, an active board member for many years, and along with her husband, Marv, a generous donor to the school. MVAS was founded in 1988 and without Jane's steady, calm demeanor and unwavering support, MVAS would not have developed into the successful school of the arts it is today. Jane's contribution over the years leaves an indelible mark on the Milan community and a legacy that will be remembered for many generations.
We wish Jane's family all the best at this difficult time.
Jane Link, of Milan, MN, passed away on November 2, 2025, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, surrounded by family, at the age of 76.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan. A live stream of the memorial service will be available via the Kviteseid Lutheran Church page. https://www.facebook.com/KviteseidLutheranChurch Burial will be at Kviteseid Lutheran Milan Methodist Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo with a prayer service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Jane’s passion projects: the Greater Milan Initiative, Milan Public School Alumni Association, or Milan Village Arts School.
Jane Adele Hanson Link, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on July 2, 1949, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Carl and Mildred (Quammen) Hanson of Milan, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan.
Jane graduated from Milan Public School in 1967 and attended the University of Minnesota, Morris, and then Moorhead State University, studying art.
Jane married the love of her life, Marvin Link, on May 23, 1970, at Kviteseid Lutheran Church. Together they made their home near Milan, where they farmed, raised their family, and built a life filled with love and determination. To this union, four children were born, Jason (Sara) Link of Plymouth, MN; Kristi (Brad) Fernholz of Appleton, MN; Steve (Stacy) Link of Casselton, ND; and Ryan (Jen) Link of Milan, MN.
Jane’s life was grounded in family, faith, and community. She worked at Shar’s Prairie Patchwork, the Extension Office, and the Chippewa Soil & Water Conservation District, all while helping with the family farm. Her deep care for her community led her to volunteer in countless ways, serving as secretary, Sunday School teacher, and Women’s Work Group leader at Kviteseid Church, leading 4-H, and helping organize the Milan Alumni Association and All-School Reunions. She was willing to serve and lead many boards, providing the driving force behind projects that strengthened and beautified her hometown.
Jane had a lifelong passion for the arts. She helped found and served as the first coordinator of the Milan Village Arts School, a lasting testament to her belief that creativity can build and sustain a community. She was also instrumental in starting the Greater Milan Initiative, helping preserve the old Milan School as a place for arts, culture, and community. Her artistic touch could be seen in everything from hand-drawn cookbooks and murals to carefully curated art displays and memory books made for her family.
Jane’s creative energy was matched only by her love of home and family. She was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones, especially at the lake, where countless memories were made each summer, particularly around the Fourth of July. She poured her heart into creating joy for others, whether through her elaborate snow village displays, vibrant flower gardens, organizing card games, or her tender care for her many beloved cats.
A traveler at heart, Jane explored much of the world with curiosity and gratitude. She and Marvin shared adventures across Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, Scotland, on Baltic Sea and Panama Canal cruises, and throughout the United States, including treasured visits to Alaska and Hawaii.
Jane was blessed with ten surviving grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy: Jacob, Grace, and Julia Link; Gavin and Anika Fernholz; Grady, Keaton, and Colby Link; and Isaac and Greta Link. She is also survived by her sister, Marlys (Keith) Kvistero of Montevideo, MN; sister-in-law, Rose Ann Hanson of Milan, MN; and many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mildred Hanson, brother, Russ Hanson, granddaughter, Nora Grace Fernholz, parents-in-law, Arthur and Grace Link, sister-in-law, Joann Hetzel, and brother-in-law, Walter Link.
Jane’s life was full of creativity, kindness, and quiet strength. She made the world a better place through her hard work and her gift for bringing people together to get things done. Her warmth, laughter, and gentle heart will be dearly missed but always remembered.
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