Eugene A. “Skinner” Rilinger, 56, of Topeka, KS, died early Friday morning, August 13, 2010 at the Midland Care Hospice in Topeka after losing his year-long battle with stomach cancer.

He was born in Seneca, KS on July 21, 1954 to Raymond and Alice Stallbaumer Rilinger. He grew up northeast of St. Benedict, KS, attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from B&B High School in 1972. After graduation he went to work for the Bern Meat Plant in Bern. After being with the company for 10 years he left Nemaha County and moved to Topeka. He was employed as a truck driver for Georgia Pacific for over 20 years. At the time of his death he was employed at LKQ Truck Salvage in Topeka. Gene received many safety awards during his years of driving a truck.

He enjoyed fishing and playing pool, and especially enjoyed “hanging out” with his brothers and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Ann on November 14, 2000 and his brother Dale Regis Rilinger on June 6, 1968.

He is survived by his father Raymond Rilinger of Seneca; his brothers, Gerald (Dena) Rilinger of Sabetha, Donald (Jennie) Rilinger of Topeka, Glenn Rilinger of Chico, CA, Kenny (Clarice) Rilinger of Lakin, KS, Ted (Dalene) Rilinger of Auburn, KS and Bobby (Shelly) Rilinger of Seneca; his sisters, Nancy (Elwin) Reinecke of Berryton, KS, Linda (Glenn) Osterhaus of Seneca, Judy (Lynn) Hall of Smith Center, KS and Sue (Ken) Rhoads of Seneca; and many nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be prayed at 6 PM Sunday, August 15, at Christ the King Church at 25th and Wannamaker Rd in Topeka, where the family will meet with friends from 4 to 6 PM. A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Monday, August 16, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Jim Shaughnessy at 10 AM Tuesday, August 17, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict.

Memorials may be given for Midland Care Hospice at 200 SW Frazier, Topeka, or St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict, KS.