Rudolf Walter Link, M.D.

MIDDLETON/MADISON/LODI- Rudolf Walter Link, M.D., died at home on Thursday, March 7, 2019, of a brain tumor at the age of 92. A memorial celebration of his life will be held later in May. He is survived by his wife Rose, children: Ramona (Richard) Meher, Renita Link, Rebecca (Gary) Rebholz and Rosanne Link, his grandchildren: Ryan (Lott) Meher; Robin Meher; Sam, Max, Kyrianna, Leah and Jake Rebholz; Benjamin Kishinevsky and Jenna Kishinevsky. He is also survived by his sister Lisalotte (Jim) Breeling and Hans (Jo) Link. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister Ruth Link. Rudolf was born in Stuttgart Germany to Frieda Link and Ludwig. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an undergraduate. He graduated Medical School at University of Nebraska-Omaha summa cum laude. His internship was at the Lying-In Hospital in Chicago. He completed his residency at University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, Wisconsin and was also service chief of Mendota State Hospital. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Chi Fraternity. Upon completion of his residency, Rudolf was invited by Max Smith, M.D., to join Madison Psychiatric Associates in 1964. He practiced psychiatry at Madison Psychiatric for many years eventually becoming president of the organization. He retired from Madison Psychiatric at the age of 62. He helped form Psychiatric Physician Associates. He was a delegate for the American Psychiatric Association (APA). He was elected as a Life Fellow to the APA in 1991. Governor Schreiber appointed Rudolf to the presidency of the State Medical Society in 1978. He was the director of Tri-County Mental Health and president of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association. Rudolf was the editor of the Badger Bulletin for several years starting in 1977. Rudolf enjoyed membership in a variety of clubs including Plato and the Golden K. He was also a veteran of the Korean War and recently participated in the Badger Honor Flight. Rudolf loved to travel, collect coins and stamps and write. His interests were many and varied including technology, photography, music and sports. As a young man, he won the fencing championship of the University of Nebraska, trained in judo, and was a competitive swimmer. He enjoyed watching football where his loyalties allied with Wisconsin teams including the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Along with his wife Rose, whom he married in 1951, Rudolf raised four daughters. Rudolf and Rose travelled the world together. Their last “hurrah” was a train ride through the Canadian Rocky Mountains when he was 91.Together Rudolf and Rose bred German Shepherds dogs creating a championship line. He became a gentleman farmer at the age of 62 in Lodi, Wisconsin. Rudolf learned scuba diving at the age of 72. He was a Renaissance man who was loved and respected by his family, friends, patients and colleagues. His presence will be with us long after he is gone. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761