Jerry David Redlin

Jerry David Redlin, of Johnstown, Colorado, entered into the presence of His Lord on August 4, 2024. It was on September 6, 1942, in Adrian, Michigan, that Jerry was born to Norman and Margaret Redlin. He later went on to graduate from Adrian High School in 1960.

Not long after graduation, a friend of Jerry’s introduced him to his wife’s sister, Joan Weatherman. The two began to date and soon fell in love. Wedding bells rang for Jerry and Joan on September 14, 1963. Jerry began working for Gambles, a home goods and appliance store, but a friend of his said, “We should take the police entrance exam.” They did … his friend didn’t make it, but Jerry did, and in 1965 Jerry became an officer of the Adrian City Police, where he served for the next 32 years.

As an Adrian City Police officer, Jerry reached the rank of sergeant. His tenacity for bringing difficult situations to a desirable end earned him the nickname of “Rhino” with his fellow officers. He received commendations on several occasions for his acts of heroism, which included rushing into burning structures to rescue those trapped inside, as well as citations of honor for “acting beyond the normal call of duty” when he went into a burning vehicle to rescue people trapped inside “without regard to personal safety.” It was noted in the local newspaper that “the driver would not have survived had it not been for Redlin’s rescue efforts.” On multiple occasions, he diffused life-threatening and dangerous situations – even removing his own gun-belt in an armed conflict, to de-escalate a volatile situation. Not only did he receive numerous acknowledgements in the newspaper, he was also featured on the television program, Cops, where they highlighted his many acts of service as an exemplary police officer, highlighting his many citations for valor. Jerry was deeply respected by his fellow officers. And, while he retired as an officer in 1997, he truly was an “officer for life.”

While Jerry loved being a police officer, his greatest love was his wife and family. If you asked him about his priorities, his first two were always God and family. He was married to his wife, Joan, for 60 years. Their union produced four children, twelve grandchildren, and, to date, six great-grandchildren. The stories that could be told about Jerry and his family are far too many to recount here. His selfless love for his wife and family was obvious. His generosity, unmatched. And his love for the less fortunate was easy for all to see.

Jerry had a special place in his heart for those with special needs. He served as a volunteer, which later included service as a board member, at the Hope Center of Adrian. When Jerry entered the room, it lit up with excitement from both the clients and the staff. It was one of his deepest loves. He continued that service through another special needs organization called Wings when he and Joan moved to Colorado. His love for the less fortunate, and especially with special needs, was never diminished.

As a young man, Jerry trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. And while his thinking would, during his later days of life, at times become confused, hi prayers and love for the Lord seemed to grow increasingly clear, and his prayers more insightful and real. His involvement in church was marked by faithfulness and sacrifice, and his home church, Front Range Baptist, was truly a home with extended family.

After many years of battling Parkinson’s disease, Jerry finally succumbed and graduated to Heaven. And while the disease took many things, it never took his sense of humor. He left his family continually laughing – which they were doing at his bedside, honoring him with the sounds of laughter, just moments before he entered eternity. He is survived by his wife, Joan, his children Jeff (Julie), Terry (Becky), Robb (Barb), Nicole (Kip) Doan; grandchildren Caleb (Carlee) Redlin, Krista (Davy) Hall, Jared (Hodara) Redlin, Noah Redlin, Charity (Danny) Nguyen, Tell (Taylar) Redlin, Anne´ Redlin, Conner Redlin, Kole Doan, Keira Doan, Kaelyn Doan, Claire Doan: Six great-grand children, and a special adopted daughter, Aimee Zemke.

Also surviving are his sisters, Wanda Lee (Gary) Rumler, Virginia Meinke, and brother Franklin (Marcie) Gunn, and a special cousin, Marlene (Mike) Zientek, and several nieces and nephews.

A home-going service will be held Thursday, August 8, at 10:00 AM (MST) at Front Range Baptist Church in Fort Collins, CO. The family will be receiving guests on Wednesday, August 7, at 6:30 PM at Allnutt Funeral Home in Fort Collins.

The service can be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontRangeBaptistChurch

The interment will be at the Johnstown Cemetery on Monday, August 12, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice (3770 Puritan Way, Unit E, Fredrick, Colorado 80516) or Easterseals Colorado: Wings (1656 Topaz Dr, Loveland, CO 80537).