Obituary of "Lenny" Lingar

Winston Lynn Lingar was born on March 8, 1953, in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of four children born from the union of Winston Lingar and Evelyn (Goins) Lingar Monaghan. Lenny, as he was affectionately known, attended Monroe Public Schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1971.  Later in life, he furthered his education at Spring Arbor University obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997.

Lenny married the former Susan L. Galbraith in 1971, and they were blessed with two sons.  They remained married until her passing on April 9, 2004.  Lenny later found love again being married to the former Georgianna (Knapp) Conte on December 29, 2006.

Lenny was a passionate University of Michigan football fan.  Regardless of the season, he cheered for his Wolverines, especially when they beat their rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Despite his lack of skill in golf, Lenny enjoyed playing the sport and had a unique way of expressing his participation. If someone asked him if he played golf, he would humorously reply, "I move earth."

Traveling was another love of Lenny's.  His work at CMS Energy took him to various parts of the world, including Africa and India. He visited Amsterdam, France, Scotland, Ireland, California, Arizona and Florida.                                              

If there was one place Lenny truly felt at home, it was standing behind a grill with his glass of wine.  He loved entertaining family and friends. 

Lenny's hidden talent was his knack for being a handyman. He enjoyed listening to all types of music.

Len belonged to the Kegger brotherhood.  This group started out as friends in high school and enjoyed playing softball and bowling together.  A close-knit group, they supported each other through every milestone and life event.

Len was very proud to have served on the Monroe County Community College Foundation Board for many years.

Winston “Lenny” Lingar, age 70, of Monroe, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday; December 17, 2023, at 6:36pm. His passing was preceded by his father; stepfather, Thomas Monaghan and his first spouse: Susan L. (Galbraith).

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife: Georgianna; his mother: Evelyn (Goins) Monaghan; three children: Dr. Michael Lingar, Ryan (Connie) Lingar, and Pete (Erica) Conte; five grandchildren: Taylor Lingar, Bryan Lingar, Ethan Lingar, Nolan Lingar, and Kaylie Jeter; three siblings: Jeff (Shelley) Lingar, Sharon Mullin, and Randall Lingar; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather on Thursday; December 21, 2023, from 2:30pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life, led by Sister Kate O’Brien will take place at 3:00pm, also at Merkle’s. At 7:00pm a sharing of memories will conclude the gathering.  Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.  The family will witness a private inurnment at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2024.

It would be greatly appreciated by the family if attendees wore University of Michigan attire. The family would also like to express a special thank you to Heartland Hospice; University of Michigan Sarcoma Clinic, Dr. Schuetze; Katie Patterson, CNP, and Dr. Daniel Kirkpatrick for the comfort and compassion they gave to Lenny. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the University of Michigan’s Stomp Out Sarcoma Michigan.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo.