Diane Linkenbach

ERROL – Diane Thurston Linkenbach, 79, passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 in Auburndale, Florida. Born in 1936 to G.O. and Zillah Thurston, Diane grew up in Errol with her three older brothers, Roland, Eugene, and Donald. While attending Fryeburg Academy, she met (and later married) Russell “Link” Linkenbach, the love of her life. Diane attended one year of college in Boston, but found she missed her family and her hometown, so she returned to Errol to prepare for her wedding. There she and Link made their home after his honorable discharge from serving in the Korean War, and together they raised their two children. Diane worked as a waitress in Errol, doing what she loved best--mingling with people. Following her father’s retirement, she and Link took over ownership and operation of Thurston’s Garage, where they provided a warm gathering place in the center of town for customers and friends. Upon their own retirement, Diane and Link began wintering in Ocala, Fla., with their dog Callie. Diane continued “snowbirding” and remaining active in her communities after Link’s passing in 2005. She was a lifelong member of Errol Congregational Church, served as library trustee, and was involved in the Heritage Commission. Diane made friends everywhere she went, and will be remembered at home and in Florida for her laugh, open door, kindness, and sense of humor. She is survived by her son Michael Linkenbach and his wife Anita of Eagle Lake, Fla.; and daughter Melinda Donohue and her husband Neil of Stratham, NH. She will also be missed by her devoted grandchildren: Erik Hawkins, Ashley Hawkins, and Ben Linkenbach; brothers Roland and Donald MacKenzie; and many nieces and nephews. Diane is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Link, and her brother Eugene. A memorial service for Diane will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Errol Congregational Church, with burial immediately following in the Errol Village Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Linkenbach may be made to the Errol Congregational Church or the Errol Public Library. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Diane Linkenbach

May 12, 1936 - June 2, 2015