Earl H. Redlin

Earl Herman Redlin, 95 of Ellendale, ND died December 21, 2012 at Sanford Palliative Care, Fargo, ND. He was born July 20, 1917, to Robert Julius and Thersa (Zirbel) Redlin in rural Codington County, SD. Earl was educated in Watertown, SD where he graduated from high school furthering his education at Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD. Earl became a teacher for five years in Waubay, South Dakota where he met, Ruth, his bride of 71 years. They were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster, SD on May 31, 1941. Earl entered the United States Army serving in World War II. He was a member of the 34th Signal Company serving three years in Anzio, Italy. He was honorably discharged and continued his education at South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. From this union of 71 years were born four children. In 1959, after the death of Earl’s brother and sister-in-law Ralph and Ruby Redlin, Earl and Ruth lovingly took in their three children and raised them as their own. Earl was a leader in North Dakota politics for many years. He was a State Senator, Mayor of Ellendale, North Dakota State Commander of American Legion and councilman. He was president of the ND League of Cities and Municipalities. He was instrumental in Trinity Bible College coming to Ellendale. In Earl’s later years, he served as Dickey County Commissioner and served on many boards in the community and throughout the state. Survivors include his wife Ruth Redlin, Ellendale, ND; six children: Gene (Peggy) Redlin, St. Charles, IL, Carol Kendall, Oakes, ND, Steven (Mary) Redlin, Buffalo, MN, James (Marla) Redlin, Ellendale, ND, Susan (Paul) Wortman, Elkhorn, NE, Barbara Redlin, Fargo, ND; one brother: Wallace Redlin, Summit, SD; one sister: Luella (Lee) Leonard, Watertown, SD; Fourteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son John, four sisters, two infant sisters and six brothers. Earl Redlin was loved and cherished by his family and will be missed by all who knew him. He passed away leaving behind him a legacy of integrity, character and strong Christian and moral values. The funeral is 10:30am Monday, December 24 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Tom Eckstein officiating. Visitation is 3-7 pm with a prayer service at 7pm Sunday at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation is 9am to time of service at the church on Monday. Burial with Military Honors at Ellendale City Cemetery, Ellendale. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale, ND.