Shane Thomas Linenberger, 29, of Arizona passed away on August 29, 2026, near Manhattan, Kansas, after years of battling depression. Shane was born November 6, 1996, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Melissa Waselovich and Shaun Linenberger. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 2015. While growing up in Manhattan, Shane was involved in Boy Scouts, karate, city baseball leagues, choir, and theatre. He loved reading from a young age and could often be found reading in a hammock whenever he had some down time throughout his life.

Shane was happiest when he was in nature and was a student of the Earth. He spent most of his life outdoors. He was constantly learning new wilderness survival skills and passing that knowledge on to others. From starting fires with a hand drill to forging knives and other tools, Shane could do it all. If he couldn’t, he would learn how to do it. Some of his recent training fulfilled his dreams of attending courses with Boulder Outdoor Survival School. He spent his 20s learning and teaching these skills to others across multiple states, including Utah, Arizona, and Idaho.

In addition to his parents, Melissa Waselovich and Shaun Linenberger of Manhattan, Kansas, Shane leaves behind brothers Logan (Maddie) and AJ Linenberger of Manhattan, Kansas; his grandparents Brenda and Lester McElyea of Junction City, Kansas, and Robert Waselovich of Crown Point, Indiana; his aunts and uncles; his “little cousins;" and numerous close friends from the primitive skills and wilderness therapy communities.

Shane’s time on this earth was too short. Please hug your loved ones. In honor of Shane, please spend more time outside, learn something new, or enjoy some time around a campfire with friends.

If you or a loved one are going through a difficult time, please reach out for free, confidential support. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The family is working to create a fund to support primitive survival skills education. We will announce this at a later date so contributions can be made in Shane's honor.

Services will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Irvine Parkview Funeral Home in Manhattan, Kansas. The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a short service at 10:30 AM. Family and friends are then welcome to follow us on a short 30-minute drive to Shane's favorite primitive campsite at Carahan Creek to share memories and stories.