Eric Leighninger Obituary

Leighninger, Eric V.

Eric V. Leighninger of Spring Grove, died suddenly, April 21, 2021 at his home with his faithful canine at his side. Eric grew up in New Orleans, and always carried with him a love of hot weather, music, spicy food, and a really good Sazerac. He would drink Café du Monde coffee each morning and feel connected to his early years. He became an Eagle Scout before he was 13, which is an unusual accomplishment, and continued throughout his life to carry on the tenets of service to others. A graduate from Eastern Washington University in Cheney Washington with a Bachelor's degree in Physics. He received a Master's degree in Mathematics from ASU and began to work on a PhD in Mathematics which was never completed. He was drafted during the Vietnam War and joined the Navy, following his father, and went to Scotland where he provided invaluable cryptographic work. After the war, he worked for the Department of Defense, Mitre, Boeing, Allstate, and Walgreens. His major accomplishments include: the design and implementation of the Tomahawk Missile, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), the Joint Surveillance Target Attack System (JStars) program, and the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) program. His work helped save many lives. Eric heard the call and went to Princeton Seminary where he received his M. Div. He was a brother Mason in two lodges, Washington Lodge in New Hampshire, and Dodgeville Lodge in Wisconsin. He was a man of deep faith in God, service to others, and the power of fellowship. He had a long and varied career in the Mathematics and Computer Security fields and made many essential contributions that will never come to light. Eric loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and watch movies. He enjoyed nothing better than a rare steak and a single malt Scotch, the Macallan please. He also enjoyed the beauty of nature and fly fishing. Eric survived the long Covid year of isolation and was beginning to plan trips and visits with friends. His death came very suddenly and without warning. Eric was an extraordinary man; kind and generous, with a deep faith, penetrating intellect, strong character, boundless energy, and an endless capacity for love. Eric is survived by his devoted wife Julie nee Wildberger; children by previous marriages, Christian (Michelle), Zachary Leighninger, Nichole (Tony) Lomardo; grandsons, Ian, and Isaac Leighninger; nephew, Max (Shelby) Leighninger; niece, Sylvanna (Jim) Leighninger. Preceded by his parents, Max and Mildred (Evans) Leighninger; brother, Kirk Leighninger. Visitation, Friday, August 6, 2021, from 4 PM – 6 PM at the Community Church of Richmond, 5714 Broadway Road, Richmond, IL 60071. Memorial Service, Saturday, August 7, 2021, 3 PM at Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Road, Northfield, IL. 60093. To send flowers or an online condolence to the family please visit

www.ThompsonSpringGrove.com. For additional information call 815-675-0550. Services entrusted to Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home, 8103 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL. 60081.

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