Gerald Lee Redinger

The Life of Gerald (Jerry) Lee Redinger

Jerry was born December 25, 1936. In Jetmore Kansas, to Walter Redinger and Pearl (Tucker) Redinger. He joined 2 brothers, Wendell and Darwin.  Jerry won Grand prize at the state fair in 1937 for Perfect baby in Kansas contest. In 1939 the family moved to the farm in Rural Halstead.  Jerry attended a country grade school, a mile south of the farm. He attended Newton High school for 2 years, played football and graduated from Halstead High school in 1954.

Jerry worked at Newton Appliance as a repairman, ate lunch most days at the Corner Lunch in Newton where Darlene Nickel was a waitress.  After many attempts, Darlene finally agreed to go on a date with Jerry, they dated 6 months and were married June 3, 1956.

Jerry Joined the army in 1959, received a hardship discharge in 1960 to take over the family farm when his father, Walter, Passed away.  Jerry raised crops, and livestock. They adopted their Son Vincent (Vince) Lee Redinger in 1962 at 2 months old, and in 1966 Adopted Sheryl (Sherry) Ann Redinger at 3 months old.

Jerry worked hard and played hard. In addition to farming, he enjoyed going to the lake with the Paul Bean family, Roger Wiles family and many others.  Jerry and Darlene owned the laundromat in Halstead in the 60s, were co-owners of Country Sod Farm with Gary Wray, along with harvesting. Jerry went into business with neighbor and friend John Weber with R&W Earth Moving, and in the winter months during the 80s, Jerry pulled mobile homes and did over the road trucking. In 1972, Jerry began custom Harvesting in the summer with his brother- in- law Johnny Nickel. Johnny retired in 1982. When he retired, Jerry and Vince started the family business, Redinger and Son Harvesting from 1982-1992. Traveling from Texas to Montana with the entire family.  Jerry hired young men and women to work for them in the summer and treating them like family. Jerry allowed Vince and Sherry’s friends to come to the farm whenever they wanted. At the farm, or the lake, it was always an open door policy where everyone felt welcome.

After retiring from Harvesting in 1992, Jerry’s focus was back on the farm. As he worked and played hard.  Throughout Jerry and Darlene’s entire married life, they enjoyed camping and boating, Jerry loved taking his entire family, friends and yes, his beloved cat “Itty Bitty” on the pontoon boat. He enjoyed campfires and cookouts. Jerry also enjoyed Cruises, He and Darlene went on 15 cruises including Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe. They traveled on all 10 KFDI Radio cruises and made many friends they called their “Cruise Buddies.” He liked collecting and tinkering with classic cars. His pride and Joy is his 1958 Mercury Monterrey. He loved NASCAR, Football, watching his kids play sports, and school activities, playing cards with friends, and most of all farming. He truly enjoyed working and sharing the family farm with his son Vince.

He was a father figure in every way to his Daughter in- law Brenda (Brunk, Blanco) Redinger, Married to Vince Redinger. and Son in- law Gary (Archer) Redinger, Married to Sheryl Redinger. He loved them as if they were his own. His grandsons Matthew Balzer, Ryan Redinger, Michael Blanco (Autumn) and Thomas Blanco were the light of his life.

On October 2, 2011, Jerry accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and in 2012 was baptized.  Declaring his love of the Lord. In August 2016, Jerry and Darlene were Crowned Halstead’s Old Settlers King and Queen honoring their years and contributions to the Halstead community.

Jerry and Darlene were married almost 63 years. Years filled with hard work, Love and Joy. They worked together as one. Some years were tough, but they were always together, side by side, loving, supporting and cherishing each other

Jerry Went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2019. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16^th at Grace Community Church in Newton. There will not be a public visitation. A private family internment will take place at a later date. The family will be having a summer Pontoon Boat Party to celebrate Jerry’s  Life.  All friends and family will be invited.

Memorial suggestions are for the American Cancer Society and Clear Path Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas 67114. Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.