Lake Forest Obituary: Gerard Lingner, 83

Gerard T. LIngner, Jr. was born in 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri. Dad attended St. Louis University High School where he played football and was the editor of the school newspaper. He continued his education at St. Louis University and then joined the US Air Force where he continued his love of writing by editing the base newspaper.

Dad moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he attended the University of Pittsburgh and met my mother. Over the years he attended countless soccer games, spring musicals and band concerts. He and Mom were die-hard fans of the Presidents women’s soccer team at Washington & Jefferson College, cheering the team to a few victories and hosting post-game dinners at Union Grill.

After Mom died in 2000, Dad and I became a small but mighty team. He helped me to navigate my first job, first love, a cross country move, grad school, marriage and starting a family of my own. This made him a proud Granddad to Abby, Emma and Charlie, who he loved with all his heart.

Dad got to spend a few days in Germany in 2014 where he met distant relatives and toured the Lingner Schloss in Dresden. It was a once in a lifetime trip for him and one that he never forgot.

In June, Dad moved to Vernon Hills, Illinois to be closer to us. He enjoyed his grandson’s baseball games and exploring local restaurants, where he always enjoyed a steak and glass of red wine while he marveled at the size of “Chicago portions”.

Dad was a quiet, reserved guy who loved to read and spend time with family. He will be missed.

There will be a private memorial service. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Karen and Matt Hornberger, 1264 Edgewood Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Gifts may be made in Dad’s honor to the American Cancer Society, 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 or (312) 641-6150.

Info: Wenban Funeral Home (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.