Mary Teich, of Shakopee, passed away on May 25, 2018 at the age of 57. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 4:00 PM with a gathering time from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 S. Marschall Road) in Shakopee. Father Frank Wampach will preside and Mary’s godsons, Ryan Link and Matthew Glowacky, will act as urn bearers. There will be a private family burial following the service.
On February 15, 1961, Cletus and Helen Link welcomed their beautiful daughter, Mary Jo, into their family. She was the third of six children, and loved growing up in Shakopee with her siblings, Chris, Pete, Julie, John and Pat. As a girl Mary enjoyed dancing, figure skating and downhill skiing. Mary was very headstrong even as a girl. No one could tell her what to do or how to do it.
This strong determination also made Mary and extremely hard worker. As a teenager, Mary worked as a nanny and later got a job at Wampach’s. She loved working in the restaurant industry as she was a wonderful cook. Later in life, Mary was able to live out one of her biggest dreams when she opened her own restaurant, Lunch Link. She served soups, salads and sandwiches. But over the years, Mary was most famous for her Sloppy Joes, Beef Tenderloin and Beef Stew.
As a young woman, Mary met the love of her life at Richard’s Pub. She and David hit it off immediately and they began dating. Mary and David exchanged wedding vows on November 1, 1985 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shakopee. Years later, their marriage was blessed with a daughter. Mary had always loved children and enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. Having Chelsea was the best thing Mary did in her life, and she was so happy to be a mom.
As a family, Mary, David & Chelsea enjoyed family trips to Duluth and other small towns along the way. No matter which town the stopped in, Mary knew where the best bakery was, and she always tasted the peanut brittle. They spent many Saturdays at the Mall of America shopping and exploring Camp Snoopy. Sundays were also a family day dedicated to boating on Lake Minnetonka which frequently included lunch at Maynard’s or Lord Fletcher’s.
Tragedy struck the Teich family when David passed away suddenly. This was as very difficult time for Mary, but she persevered. She was a strong woman and set a great example for her daughter. Mary’s independence served her well during this time. She continued working outside the home. Throughout her life she had jobs with Gelco, DMX Music, Nortech and Lunds & Byerly’s Wine & Spirits Shop.
Although Mary was fiercely independent her whole life, she also cared deeply for her family and friends. Everyone knew they could always come to Mary with a problem, and that she would help them solve it.
About two years ago, Mary was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. She was a true fighter and doubled or tripled any timeline the doctors gave her. During the past two months her daughter and son-in-law moved in with her to provide round the clock care. Mary made sure they did everything just right. Mary spent the last Sunday of her life surrounded by family. They came together to be with Mary and prayed as a family.
Mary will be remembered always by her daughter, Chelsea (Anthony) Schmit; mother, Helen Link; siblings, Chris Johnson, Pete (Jean) Link, Julie (Brian) Welch, John (Theresea) Link, Pat (Nancy) Link; other loving relatives and friends. Mary was greeted in Heaven by her husband, David Teich; father, Cletus Link.
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Patty Trott
Chelsea, I can’t put into words how sorry I am for the loss of your mama! I love you sweetheart!!!
Shawna Schmit
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayer’s for the whole family.
Sarah Martel
Prayers and love to your family Chelsea. I’m so sorry for your loss ❤
Nancy Fay
My sincere condolences to you Cheslea and the whole Link Family. May she finally rest in peace. She will always hold a very special place in my heart and memories I will never foget.
Sue Rein
Mary’s Family
I ‘am sadden to her of Mary passing, I remember when you lived across playing with her. She was a kind hearted person. Now she’s with Dave and Cletus. R I P Mary
Pam Christopher
Chelsey, I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my mother at Thanksgiving and am still trying to come to terms with it. I know your pain and will be praying for understanding and peace. Remember grieving is a-process. It takes time. Everyone is different.
Joanne pauly
Love and hugs to you and your family… so sorry to hear this…
Roger and Angie Schoenbauer
Roger and I are so sorry for your families loss. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Patti Schroers
Chelsea and to all the family,
My sympathies to all.
God Bless,
Patti Schroers
Jeanie Tutsch
Chelsea & Tony and to the rest of Mary’s family and friends, thinking of you all at this very sad time, so truly sorry for your loss.May Mary rest in peace. Jeanie and Kyle Tutsch and family
Mike Jensen
Chelsea, I am so sorry to hear your loss. I think of your Dad and the good times we had together at work a lot.
Pablo and Becky Schwaesdall
We are so sorry for your loss, Mary was a wonderful woman.
Teresa Hoffman
Chelsea, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days to follow.
Ruby Winings
Praying for your family as you celebrate Mary’s life . She was a beautiful person inside and out.
Marsi (Renne) Motschenbacher
Chelsea, your Mom was always such a gracious and caring person, I’m very sorry for you loss.
Lori Knutson
So sorry for your family’s loss.
Katie Taylor
Chelsea, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way!!
Greg Renne
Sorry for your loss Chelsea.
Ann Riplinger
Dear Chelsea,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary and I had been friends since 1989 when I met her at her restaurant (Lunch Link).
I enjoyed spending time with Mary over the years and considered her a very special friend.
Rest in peace our dear Mary.
Ann Riplinger
Jeanette Stoks
My heartfelt condolences to Mary’s mother Helen and all of Mary’s siblings . God bless each and everyone of you. Rest in peace dear Mary,
Greg Vierling
So so sorry to hear the news about Mary. She always impressed me as having her act together. A good person. She will be missed greatly.
Karen Miller and Fred Montana
So very sorry to hear of your sister’s passing, John. We will keep you and Theresa and your family in our prayers.
Jane and John DuBois
Chelsea, Helen and the Link family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Mary. Their is no loss like that of a Mother. The pain is great but the memories are sweet. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
susan stolarcek
Dear Helen,
I am so sorry to learn of Mary’s illness and death.
My mom and I met Mary and Dave years ago. Mom got hay from Dave. We ran into them often when out to dinner in Prior Lake. We loved them both.
Please know that I am thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Sincerely,
Susan Stolarcek