Elsie Kraft Link, 79, of Des Peres, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Bill Link; loving mother and mother-in-law of Brian (Kim) Link, Bridget (Fred) Goglia, and Lori (Brian) Pelling; cherished grandmother of Will, Anna, Mya, Max, Emmy, and Charlie; dear sister to the late Ben and Gretta Kraft; and a treasured friend to many.

A Brentwood native, Elsie earned her degree in education from the University of Missouri before embarking on a career as a teacher in St. Louis and eventually at the Navy base in Rota, Spain. In 1969, she married Bill following his return from serving in Vietnam. Just one week later, they began a three-year adventure in Spain, followed by three years in Annapolis, Maryland, before returning home to the St. Louis area. In her later years, she enjoyed her winter months spent in the Florida sun.

Elsie’s greatest joy was her family, and she took immense pride in following their many adventures. She had a creative side expressed mostly through her interest in interior design and glass fusion. Her curiosity for the world led her to explore nearly every corner of the globe, visiting five continents. Elsie’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and her gift for listening with a sincere heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Please join us in celebrating a life beautifully lived and a woman who was profoundly loved.

Memorial Information: Saturday, January 10, 2026. Visitation 9:30-11:00 and service from 11-11:30 at St Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Rd, St Louis, MO 63126. A luncheon to celebrate Elsie’s life will immediately follow. She will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks in a private graveside ceremony.

In lieu of flowers: Please consider a donation made in Elsie’s honor to the following organizations: No Stomach for Cancer or Lydia’s House St. Louis