Eunice M. Lingenhag

Eunice was born on August 15, 1925, in Stewart, Minnesota, as the second of seven children to Leo and Irene LaPlante. Her happy childhood years were sadly changed by the early loss of her beloved father, which led a teenage Eunice to step in to help raise her younger siblings, and begin to shape her independent, resilient character.

After graduation from Holy Trinity High School, Eunice completed the nursing program at Glenwood Hills Hospital and worked as a nurse until she married Charles Lingenhag in 1946 in New Ulm, Minnesota. Charles joined the United States Army, and they raised their family travelling to New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, and Germany. As President of the local NCO Wives organization, Eunice mobilized aid to military families affected by significant flooding in the Fort Hood community in 1957. Charlie retired at Fort Sam Houston, and they made their home in San Antonio for the rest of their lives. They were married for 57 years until his passing in 2003. Together, they have five children.

Eunice took immense pride in the home they created and her role as a mother. She enjoyed preparing family meals, baking, sewing, needle crafts, reading, and traveling. She volunteered at Agape Ministries and found joy in helping others through the organization.

Eunice lived in their home until she was 90 years old and moved to Emerald Oaks Retirement Community, where she continued to live independently. She shared her love of reading and served as the librarian until her vision declined. She was blessed by taking part in their Sunday ministry. In May 2025, she moved to Shavano Assisted Living.

The name “Eunice” translates to “happy victory.” She achieved her own happy victory through a life well-lived for 100 years, the people she helped, the loved ones she leaves behind, and a joyful return to her Lord in Heaven.

She is survived by her five children: Marilynn Schiefelbein, Beverly Ellison and her husband James Ellison, Linda Lingenhag, James Lingenhag, and daughter Cheryl Lingenhag-LaPlante and her husband Geoff Dyer. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brothers Earl Laplante and his wife LaRae, Lee Laplante; and many nephews and nieces. She is pre-deceased by her parents, husband, and siblings: Ray LaPlante, Clifford LaPlante, Donald LaPlante, and Bernice Credland.

For those who would like to make a tribute, donations are appreciated to the American Heart Association or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.