Regina M. Linenberger, Tonganoxie
Mass of Christian burial for Regina M. Linenberger, 84, Tonganoxie, will be 10:08 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Washington, Kan.
Mrs. Linenberger, a former Washington resident, died June 1, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She told a healthcare worker during a routine appointment that she was “a tough old broad” and proved exactly that as she battled an aggressive form of cancer.
She was born Oct. 8, 1938, on the family farm near Hanover, the daughter Anthony and Wavy (Turk) Overwald.
She married Francis “Frank” Linenberger on April 24, 1976, and gained two sons, Stephen and Mark, in the process. Frank and Regina had one son, Shawn.
A graduate of Hanover High School, Mrs. Linenberger shined in class plays.
She worked in admissions at Kansas State University before working at the Washington County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (now Farm Service Agency) office for 38 years. Following “retirement” from her position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture agency, she spent several years at the front desk at MarCon Pies in Washington. The company was named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Commerce by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. She formed many friendships from Waterville to Wichita and Lincoln, Neb., to Kansas City as she called clients at grocery stores and other businesses to get weekly pie orders from grocery stores. She loved visiting with Marcon clients and forming bonds that often were limited to those phone calls. Mrs. Linenberger even greeted a former Kansas governor with a pie when he once visited Washington after the town sustained some weather damage.
In her earlier years, she traveled to New Orleans and headed out west on a group road trip that eventually took the friends to California.
She also was an avid bowler, which landed her at several bowling alleys throughout Kansas and the region. In the 1970s, her literary works appeared in the Washington County News via her periodic Bowling Corners column.
While living in Washington, she served as a Catholic Youth Organization sponsor with Frank and later served as a board member for KSDS (Kansas Specialty Dog Service).
Mrs. Linenberger was a former Cub Scout den mother who also created impressive Halloween costumes for son Shawn, including a Jayhawk costume when he was in fourth grade.
Speaking of Jayhawks, Mrs. Linenberger loved following KU athletics, but sometimes the stress of nail-biters forced her to turn off the television. Years ago, Regina and Frank rarely missed a Highland Community College football game when Shawn played at HCC. More recently, she always looked forward to attending Kansas Press Association conventions with Shawn.
A culinary wizard, Mrs. Linenberger collected many cookbooks. Her dishes and desserts received rave reviews and husband Frank often remarked, “you got a good do on that one, babe” after a scrumptious meal. Her corn dip became a staple at KU football tailgates.
She loved to watch a variety of movies and shows. Mrs. Linenberger always dreamed of visiting Ireland, and “The Quiet Man,” which partially was filmed in Ireland, was one of her favorite movies. Mrs. Linenberger loved animals and had a special admiration for horses.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 2004; an infant sister, Twila; two other sisters, Wilma and Velda; and her brother, Elmer.
Survivors include her son, Shawn F. Linenberger, of the home, stepsons Stephen (Carolyn), Omaha, Neb., and Mark (Jana), Keller, Texas; grandsons Max, Chicago, Jake, Salt Lake City, and Ivan, Omaha; and a granddaughter, Claire, Keller, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and granddoggy Tchoupitoulas “Toula.”
Friends may call from noon to 4:30 p.m. June 6 at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. Rosary will be said, and the family will receive friends, beginning at 6:30 p.m. June 6 at the church. A celebration of life will be held later in Tonganoxie.
The family suggests memorials in Mrs. Linenberger’s name to Leavenworth County Humane Society, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Human Rights Campaign or a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 W. Second St., Washington, 66968.