Earl became a teacher for five years in Waubay, where he met Ruth, his bride of 71 years. They were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster on May 31, 1941.
Earl entered the U.S. 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, 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 N.D. 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, Ill.; Carol Kendall, Oakes, N.D.; Steven (Mary) Redlin, Buffalo, Minn.; James (Marla) Redlin, Ellendale, N.D.; Susan (Paul) Wortman, Elkhorn, Neb.; and Barbara Redlin, Fargo, N.D.; one brother, Wallace Redlin, Summit; one sister, Luella (Lee) Leonard, Watertown; 14 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 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale, with Pastor Tom Eckstein officiating. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Sunday at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to time of service at the church on Monday. Burial with military honors will be at the Ellendale City Cemetery, Ellendale. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.
hovenfuneralchapel.com