Bonnie J. Linck

Bonnie Jean Linck, a devoted family historian, lifelong learner, and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City October 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, faith, and cherished memories.

Bonnie was born on April 20, 1947, at the Beaver Dam Lutheran Hospital to Leonard and Mary Jean Linck of Randolph, WI. She graduated from Randolph High School in 1965. Bonnie received a BS in Spanish from UW-Oshkosh in 1971 and a MA in Spanish from BYU in 1973. She taught high school Spanish in Idaho and Utah for ten years before serving an 18-month church mission. After her mission, she went to University of Texas at Austin and received her Master of Library Science in 1986 which allowed her to pursue her passion of historical and genealogical research. She worked for the Ohio State Historical Society as a Research Librarian for a few years before becoming a lead Reference Librarian in the History and Genealogy Unit of the Connecticut State Library where she worked until retirement. There, she became a sought-after genealogical expert to help patrons with complex genealogical document searches. Bonnie also was a regular lecturer at the University of Connecticut – Torrington to help both students and families understand free available resources for their genealogical searches. As a professional genealogist, she had a deep appreciation for family history and dedicated much of her life and travels to uncovering the stories of those who came before us.

Bonnie's faith was an important part of her life. She served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Boston, Massachusetts. After retirement, she continued her love of history and genealogy by serving in a Church History mission in Salt Lake City, where she translated primary source historical documents from Spanish to English. Through these experiences, she was able to combine her love of history, language, and her church in meaningful service.

She also found joy in life's simple pleasures. Bonnie loved journaling in beautiful books, and her collection of gorgeous pens was a reflection of her appreciation for the written word. She enjoyed watching documentaries, savoring dark chocolate with nuts, and engaging in lively discussions about politics. She had an insatiable curiosity about most any topic and deeply valued knowledge, thoughtful conversation, and the opportunity to learn something new.

She is predeceased by her father, Leonard Linck and her mother Mary Jean (Thran) Linck of Randolph, Wisconsin. She is survived by her sister Lynette Kolb (Franz), Salt Lake City, Utah, brother Karl Linck (Patricia), Kohler, Wisconsin, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends who will miss her dearly and remember her with affection.

Special thanks to her niece, Daniela Harding, friend Olga Bukanova and Bonnie’s home health nurse Marie Dinger and the entire team at Canyon Home Health and Hospice, who all worked tirelessly to give Bonnie support and love during the final months of her life.

A graveside ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, Wisconsin.