Jean Redlinger

JEAN REDLINGER

Vinton

Jean Redlinger, 71, of Vinton, died Saturday, July 22, 2017, at her home following a brief illness. A memorial visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., Vinton. Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.

Jean was born May 2, 1946, in Pipestone, Minn., to Jack and Irene (Steinhoff) Melcher. She devoted her entire life to working with children. For 20-plus years, she was a house parent at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. Later in life, she spent most of her time caring for her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Jean shared her love of painting, sketching, gardening and crafting with her grandchildren. She loved to tell stories and enjoyed a good book.

Survivors include her children, Bonnie Stevens, Steven Redlinger and his children, Taylor (Jen) Redlinger and their children, Quinn and Addison; David (Kristin) Redlinger and their children, Makenzie, Makayla, Madison and Maren; Aaron "Ed" (Margo) Redlinger and their children, Lauren and Jack; Mark (Jennifer) Redlinger and their children, Addison and Cadence; Anna (Steve) Wilson and their children, Carleigh, Lillian and Collin; and Laura (Tad Elam) Redlinger and their children, Joel and Cael; and her brothers, Rick (Jane) Melcher of Pipestone, Mike (Patti) Melcher of Shakopee, Minn., and Steve (Jo) Terhark of DeLand, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Joel Redlinger; granddaughters, Sarah Jean and Emma Redlinger; her brother, Steven Melcher; and her sister, Carol Terhark.

Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.