MATTHEW LEININGER Matthew Edward Leininger, 53 of Tipton died after a brief illness at I.U. Methodist on Saturday, January 20, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Indianapolis on July 6, 1970, to Vernon E. and Judith L. (Johnson) Leininger. Matt married Jennifer Whitesell (Harris) on March 15, 2013, and she survives. Matt was a 1989 graduate of Tipton High School. He was a fun-loving guy that enjoyed life and the company of his friends. He was employed for the past few years at Beck Hybrids where he was involved with the production at the facility. Many would know Matt as he worked for the Indiana Department of Transportation Tipton Sub District and at the Westfield Sub District as a foreman for over 20 years. He was deeply involved with activities that surrounded his antique steam engines, the 1917 Port Huron "Ole Her", the 1917 Nichols & Shephard and the 1920 Frick Eclipse. He belonged to the Pioneer Engineers Club in Rushville, was active at the Pioneer Village at the Howard County fair, showed at the Portland Tri-State Antique Gas Engine Tractor show, and was heavily involved in the Mid America Threshing Antique Club where he had served as a board member. He was well known for his "spark shows" with his best friends Dave Riggs, Danny Engle and Ralph Pearcy. Survivors include his wife Jen, his mother Judith, children Joe Leininger, Dion Leininger, Meagan Leininger, Melanie Harris, and Evan Harris. Siblings include Marcia Sigman (Brian) of Connecticut, Lisa Pfeiffer of Ohio, Jill Craft Shannon (Jim) of Louisiana, and Laura Sottong (Bill) of Tipton. Several nieces and nephews, William, Daniel, Eric, Alex, Kate, Jack and Meghan and Mike Leininger whom he considered a brother. Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 P.M. at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tipton with Rev. Robb Roloff presiding. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until service time on Saturday at the church. The burial at Fairview Cemetery will occur at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Mid America Threshing Antique Show, P.O. Box 576 Arcadia, Indiana, 46030 or to the family for unplanned medical expenses with envelopes at the church. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Leininger family in their time of need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tipton County Tribune from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for MATTHEW LEININGER

Sponsored by Young-Nichols Funeral Home.

3 Entries

Theresa Case

February 4, 2024

Paul and I are so very sorry for your loss. We raised our family in Avon, CT where Matt would become my son, Joe Case's best childhood friend. Matt was always welcomed into our home. I remember when he moved back to Indiana and Joe and Paul flew out to see him at the steam shows that he so loved. My deepest condolences to the Leininger family.

Heather Gmurk

January 23, 2024

Sorry for your loss Dion and Joe!!! Praying for you and the rest of the family.... I remember our long talks on summer nights, well he was trying to give me much needed advice back then... And the steam engine shows was one of the favorites!! Dion and joe Im here if you need anything!! I love you both so much and miss you both!!!

Frances Reeser Fillmore

Planted Trees

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in MATTHEW LEININGER's name

Memorial Events
for MATTHEW LEININGER

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Young-Nichols Funeral Home

216 W Jefferson Street, Tipton, IN 46072

How to support MATTHEW's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.