Farmington Obituary: Karl Linger, 97

The family of Karl Friedolf Wilhelm Linger of Farmington sadly announce his passing on November 9, 2015.

He was born on August 31, 1918 in Connecticut to the late Herman and Selma Linger of Sweden. Karl was the last surviving sibling of the family. He was predeceased by brothers Bert, Chester, Russell, Norman and Wilbur and sister Esther. He was also predeceased by his loving wife Mary (Val) who died in 2012. Karl was born at home and lived in Windsor until his family moved to Elmwood. He graduated from the Windsor school system in which he excelled as an athlete. Karl was drafted to play minor league baseball but was called to duty and proudly served his country in the US Army Air Forces during World War II.

While stationed in England, Karl met and married the love of his life, Mary (Val) Gahan of Dublin, Ireland. After the war, Val and Karl moved to Farmington, and he attended the Hartford School of Accounting. Later he became co-owner of the Linger Brothers Decorating and Painting Company.

Karl will be remembered for his laughter, his war stories, his unflappable support of Republicans, America and the NY Yankees and his thirst for knowledge - continuing to learn a word a day from the dictionary well into his nineties. In his later years, when he lacked mobility, he read every newspaper, watched all the news and stock market reports and every sporting event televised. He knew more about current events than most people and shared this knowledge of the past and present with everyone.

He leaves his beloved children and their spouses, Elizabeth King of Farmington and Virginia Beach, Karen & George Carelli of Marlborough, Loren & Arline Linger of Colchester, Bernie & Michael Dayton of South Glastonbury. His loving grandchildren, Jason Bushy, Chase King, Sarah and Katie Linger, Tyler Dayton, two great grandchildren Ryland King and Arianna Awad and several nieces and nephews in America, Ireland and England.

The family expresses deep affection to family, friends, doctors and nurses for their kindness and good care. Special thanks to our sister Liz who sacrificed so much for all of us.

There will be no calling hours and the family will celebrate Karl’s life at a private ceremony. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Farmington.

Donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.