Sylvia T. Lininger

Sylvia T. Lininger, 101, of Kewanee, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Arcadia Care, Kewanee. She was born Sylvia Mae Taylor to Robert Stewart and Sylvia Frances (Dewey) Taylor on November 15, 1923, in Highmore, SD. In the 6th grade she left what she considered to be Shangri-La, Highmore, SD and moved to Worthington, MN. Sylvia graduated valedictorian in 1941 from Worthington High School. She attended Worthington Junior College for one year and then graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1945 with a B.S. in dietetics. Once graduating from the University, she accepted an internship at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. She later worked at Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Chicago. While in Chicago she met the love of her life, William G. Lininger. She was drawn to his sense of humor after he told two jokes. Years later, her son Robert asked her, “You mean your relationship was based on two jokes?” She quickly and matter of factly replied, “Yes, now it’s based on three.” They were married in New York City at the Little Church Around the Corner on December 31, 1948. He preceded her in death on May 18, 2002.

Sylvia is survived by two sons, William, G. Jr., Peoria, Robert S. (Susan), Cambridge, MN; ten grandchildren, Eva B., Sarah B., Katherine B., Robert B., Alexander W., Michael J., Samantha J., Troy, Trent, Lori; and numerous great grandchildren, one of whom was named in her honor, Sylvia Mae. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Bruce; infant sister, and four older brothers.

In July of 1949 Sylvia and William, Sr. moved to Kewanee where she worked for the Kewanee Hospital and later Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo for 20+ years. She kept her dietetic license current for 72 years until the age of 95. She also worked intermittently as a substitute teacher at Wethersfield School. Sylvia was a member of the PEO for 83 years, the Library Board for 50 years, the Tuesday Club, the Peoria Area Treasurer Hunters (P.A.T.H.), the Peoria St. Patrick’s Society, and the First United Methodist Church, where she served on numerous boards and committees. She taught Sunday School at the church as well. She was the last remaining member of the L.A.M.B.S. Club. Sylvia was dedicated to the family she raised and her family of origin. She was always making sure everyone stayed connected. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 am, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday following the visitation. Pastor Haley Hausman will officiate. A private burial will be in Wethersfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kewanee Public Library or the First United Methodist Church. Please leave an online condolence for Sylvia’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.
 

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