Obituary for Donald Elmer "Don" Redlin
Donald "Don" E. Redlin, 97, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., viewing is one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Watertown where Don was a founding member. Father John Fischer will officiate with Father Michael Wensing and Father Jerry Holtzman as con-celebrants. Chris Barrett will be the soloist accompanied by Jane Rokusek.
Masks are mandatory.
Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Watertown, SD.
Pallbearers will be Don's children: Greg and Sol Redlin, Julie Gascoigne, Mark, Carmen and Mary Rose Redlin, Liz Aderhold and Paul Redlin.
Memorials for Don may be given to the charity of one's choice.
Donald Elmer Redlin, son of Elmer and Bertha (Zick) Redlin was born on March 8, 1923 in Watertown, SD. He grew up in rural Watertown and attended school in Waverly, graduating from Waverly High School in 1940. Don served as a United States Merchant Marine Seaman during World War II from March of 1945 until his honorable discharge in October of 1945.
On January 3, 1948 he married Virginia Cordell at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. The couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this year. Don managed Redlin Lumber Co. and then eventually bought the business. Later, he transitioned the business to be Redlin Trailer Court. Upon selling the court, he was happy to work on steam engines as a full time retiree.
Don’s engineering skills were put to the test when he built three steam engines and restored two Model As. His steam engines ended up in Holland and Belgium. He built his first steam engine in the 60s with his son Sol for a science project.
An avid car guy, he was a Formula One racing fan and had a lifelong interest in world affairs. He enjoyed nature and was an avid bird watcher.
Donald is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children, Greg (RoAnn) Redlin and Sol Redlin of Vermillion, SD, Julie (Ted) Gascoigne of Onawa, IA, Mark (Jill Nelson) Redlin of Centerville, SD, Carmen Redlin and Mary Rose Redlin of Watertown, SD, Liz (Larry) Aderhold of Castlewood, SD, and Paul (Patty) Redlin of Auburn, WA; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Roland Redlin and Elmer Redlin, Jr., one sister Lois Gunderson, a daughter-in-law Mary C. Redlin, and his grandson Harley Redlin.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.
Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., viewing is one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Watertown where Don was a founding member. Father John Fischer will officiate with Father Michael Wensing and Father Jerry Holtzman as con-celebrants. Chris Barrett will be the soloist accompanied by Jane Rokusek.
Masks are mandatory.
Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Watertown, SD.
Pallbearers will be Don's children: Greg and Sol Redlin, Julie Gascoigne, Mark, Carmen and Mary Rose Redlin, Liz Aderhold and Paul Redlin.
Memorials for Don may be given to the charity of one's choice.
Donald Elmer Redlin, son of Elmer and Bertha (Zick) Redlin was born on March 8, 1923 in Watertown, SD. He grew up in rural Watertown and attended school in Waverly, graduating from Waverly High School in 1940. Don served as a United States Merchant Marine Seaman during World War II from March of 1945 until his honorable discharge in October of 1945.
On January 3, 1948 he married Virginia Cordell at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. The couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this year. Don managed Redlin Lumber Co. and then eventually bought the business. Later, he transitioned the business to be Redlin Trailer Court. Upon selling the court, he was happy to work on steam engines as a full time retiree.
Don’s engineering skills were put to the test when he built three steam engines and restored two Model As. His steam engines ended up in Holland and Belgium. He built his first steam engine in the 60s with his son Sol for a science project.
An avid car guy, he was a Formula One racing fan and had a lifelong interest in world affairs. He enjoyed nature and was an avid bird watcher.
Donald is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children, Greg (RoAnn) Redlin and Sol Redlin of Vermillion, SD, Julie (Ted) Gascoigne of Onawa, IA, Mark (Jill Nelson) Redlin of Centerville, SD, Carmen Redlin and Mary Rose Redlin of Watertown, SD, Liz (Larry) Aderhold of Castlewood, SD, and Paul (Patty) Redlin of Auburn, WA; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Roland Redlin and Elmer Redlin, Jr., one sister Lois Gunderson, a daughter-in-law Mary C. Redlin, and his grandson Harley Redlin.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.