Inez Redlin, 92, of Fullerton, Calif., formerly of Ellendale, N.D., passed away Feb. 13, 2013, at Park Vista Assisted Living in Fullerton, Calif.
Inez Mae Klemm was born April 30, 1920, in Lane, S.D., to John and Ida (Wolter) Klemm. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church of Lane. She continued her dedication to her faith as a member of Zion Lutheran Church, adult choir and Lutheran Women's Missionary League for many years. After graduating from Lane High School in 1938, she attended the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, where she earned a teaching degree in elementary education in 1940. After teaching six years in South Dakota, she married Clarence Charles Redlin of South Shore on June 19, 1943, in Lane. She and Clarence owned and operated a Gamble's hardware store at New Effington before moving to Ellendale, N.D., in August 1950. They were partners with Clarence's brothers, Ralph and Earl, in the Redlin Implement Company for 16 years. Inez earned her bachelor's degree in education at the Ellendale branch of UND in 1960 and a master's degree in education and administration at Northern State Teachers College, Aberdeen, in 1964. She taught in elementary schools in North and South Dakota, college at the UND Ellendale branch, and Moorhead State University.
Following her teaching career, she became a professional weaver and crafter. She and Clarence spent winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She took great pride in mastering a variety of artistic skills, including weaving, beading, painting and sewing. She and Clarence spent many of their retirement years selling her crafts under a pop-up tent at various venues.
She was a charter member of the North Dakota Federation of National Garden Clubs, a master flower show judge and a member of the Rio Grande Valley Flower Judges Council.
Inez was an avid gardener and spent countless hours tending her flower and vegetable garden. She loved all flowers, especially iris. A visit to her garden was like taking a step into one of Monet's grand paintings.
Inez excelled in a man's world as an educator, administrator and businesswoman. She never let anyone tell her she couldn't do it. She was a woman ahead of her time.
In 2007, she moved to California, where she spent her final years living near her daughter, Rita, whom she lovingly called "my earthly angel."
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence, in 2001; brother, Paul Klemm; and sister, Arlene Feistner.
Survivors include three sons and one daughter: Gregg Redlin (Shirley Schreiber) of Iowa City, Iowa, Kirk Redlin of Fruitland, Ind., Dr. Scott (Mary) Redlin of Cary, N.C., and Rita Redlin Mangus (Bill) of Fullerton, Calif.; three grandchildren: Michelle (husband Dave) of Minneapolis, Minn., Lisa (Eric) Flores of Fullerton, Calif., and John Redlin of Cary, N.C.; three sisters: Milda Dittmer of Roseburg, Ore., LuElla Snow of Seattle, Wash., and Elsie Mulligan of Tempe, Ariz; one sister-in-law, Mabel Klemm, Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
A prayer service and viewing will be held at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary, Fullerton, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, from 1 to 3 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held in Ellendale, N.D. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Inez, mom to her kids, was truly a remarkable woman. She was always there when we needed her. Throughout our years growing up, Mom was always able to balance her professional life with the needs of her family. She taught the values of honesty, dedication, hard work and perseverance. She showed us what it meant to live life to its fullest. The world is in need of more souls like the one our mother possessed.
Heaven will be a more beautiful place with Inez tending her Master's garden.