Robert Redinger, 96
Robert J. "Bob" Redinger, 96, left this earth to be with his Creator on Jan. 17, 2024.
He was born July 12, 1927 in Spokane, Washington, to John and Margaret (Ulowetz) Redinger. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1945.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the West Coast assignments. Upon discharge in 1946 he attended Gonzaga University. He earned his BA from the University of Evansville.
His employment was with Kaiser Aluminum at Mead, Washington, from 1948 to 1955. He transferred to the then, under construction Anaconda Aluminum Co. at Columbia Falls, in 1955, remaining with AAC and eventually, Atlantic Richfield until retirement in California in 1987.
He met the love of his life at a college dance at Gonzaga U. in 1948. He and Dorothy Meyer were married in St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Spokane on Nov. 8, 1949. They spent 71 delightful years in each other’s company.
While their children were growing Bob coached church league basketball, was an avid fast pitch softball player, and took up the hobby of growing exhibition roses. He eventually became a judge and consultant for the American Rose Society. After retiring Bob donated many hours to the Flathead Food Bank and the AARP Driver Safety Program, where he served as Instructor and Coordinator for the NW Montana area.
He was an organizer of and for many years served as Secretary of the AAC/ARCO Retiree Club. Beginning in 2003 and for 21 years after, he made thousands of wooden toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. He also built and donated numerous items for the MSU Billings Foundation’s annual Wine and Food Festival and for St. Matthew’s School annual Sinfully Rich Auctions. He was an enthusiastic wood shop hobbyist. Bob was also an honorary life member of the Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by eight children, Patricia, Lorraine and Grant Hall, Joseph and Debra Redinger, Lawrence, Joan and Jim Driscoll, Matthew and Ann Redinger, Roberta and Ronald Scheinin and Mary Frances and Steven Fox; 17 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Also, Bob is survived by his brother, Richard and Barbara Redinger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marian Dreves.
A rosary will be offered at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. A mass celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Rog as celebrant. Cremation has taken place. A private inurnment will take place in his grandfather Ulowetz plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Trentwood, Washington.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be given in Bob’s name to St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish, 601 S. Main, Kalispell, Montana 59901; or to the Flathead Food Bank, P.O. Box 2938, Kalispell, Montana 59901.