Roger F. Linke

Roger F. Linke, originally from Woodville who then raised his family in Gibsonburg, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 14, 2026, at The Willows of Bowling Green. He was born January 27, 1942, the son of Frank and Edna (Busdiecker) Linke. On November 30, 1963, he married Christine Bringe at Zion Lutheran Church in Gibsonburg.

A graduate of Woodville High School in 1960, where he was an accomplished athlete, Roger continued his education at Stautzenberger College, where he earned a degree in drafting. He also took advanced courses at the University of Toledo. For more than three decades, he dedicated his career as an engineer at Champion Spark Plug, a role from which he retired in 2001. His creative talents flourished as he drafted and designed numerous homes in the local area.

Roger was a man of many passions. He found joy in cooking and spending time with family and had a love for the outdoors that was evident in his frequent excursions for fishing and camping. Each morning, he enjoyed coffee with the guys, a ritual that added enjoyment to his day. In addition, he organized several Woodville High School class reunions.

His affinity for golf led him to organize leagues in Gibsonburg and Toledo sharing his enthusiasm for the game with those around him.

His proudest moments were creating a lawn care service with his Gibsonburg-based grandchildren and watching his North Carolina-based grandchildren excel in sports, especially basketball. His legacy will be the talents he passed on to his grandchildren.

Roger served as President of the Zion Lutheran Church Council, as well as his role as a longtime deacon. He was also a member of the Gibsonburg Blue Lodge and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers of Toledo.

Surviving is his loving wife of 62 years Chris Linke; children: Beth (Brian Damschroeder), Dean (Leah Pavão); 5 grandchildren: Shawn Esker, Roger Esker, Erika Esker, Benjamin Linke and Maxwell Linke as well as his brother Carl "Jake" Linke. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Kathryn Linke Moll.A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 1-3 PM at Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Crematory, 319 W. Madison Street, Gibsonburg, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contibutions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Gibsonburg Click here to donate to Zion Lutheran.