The family of George F. Lingg, Jr. is saddened to announce his passing on February 6, 2026. A proud American his whole life, George was born on August 1, 1925 to George A. and Helen (Graf), on a farm in New Alsace, Indiana. He had one brother, Art Thebo, who served in the Navy in World War II, and three sisters: Ann Thebo, Dorothy (George) Hornbach, and Ruth (Harry) Cornelius. He attended St. Paul’s School and Guilford High School. Shortly after graduation he was drafted into the service. He enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS Salamaua, CVE-96 in the South Pacific as a 2nd class radio operator.
For his service, George was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the Ruptured Duck Honorable Discharge.
In 1947, he married his wife of seventy years, Dorothy Feist, and had three daughters: Monica (David) Wiggins, the late Judi Lingg, and Mary (Leslie) Finn. He worked as a foreman at Monsanto until his retirement in 1989. They were blessed with six grandchildren: Shauna (Rob) Steigerwald, Tammy (Michael) Donawerth, Tiffany Callaway, Laurie (Dave) Streng, Bill (Denisa) Meyer, Chris (Melissa) Meyer, and many great-grandchildren. His children and grandchildren knew his words of wisdom, “Work hard and do the right thing.”
George spent his retirement woodworking, gardening, and playing cards. He enjoyed visits from family and friends and always left them with a handshake or bit of advice like “Drive slow.” He celebrated his one-hundredth birthday in August of 2025 with a party that several family, friends, and community members attended. At the party it was said that it was a proud day for New Alsace as they honored both a veteran and a life-long resident. A proud day indeed for a man that so many were honored to know.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12 at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Praying of the Rosary will begin at 9:45am followed by visitation until 11:30am. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00pm at St. Paul’s Campus of All Saints Parish. Burial with military honors will immediately follow in the church cemetery. Memorials in George’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.