Edward Redinger

Edward Allen Redinger passed away peacefully on January 4, 2016 at the age of 91. He was born on April 25, 1924 and was a lifelong Olathean. He was born on a farm, attended a one room elementary school house and graduated from what was then J. P. St. John Memorial High School.

Always industrious, as a youth Ed delivered milk on his bicycle to earn money. He attended the University of Kansas before he enlisted in the Army. During World War II, he was a topographic engineer and printed invasion maps. When he was stationed in England, he met his future wife, Joan. They were married in Cheltenham, England, a union that lasted almost 65 years. They had one son, Alan, and also raised their niece Becky from the time she was ten. Joan, Alan, and Becky have all preceded Ed in death.

Ed proudly owned and operated Burns Printing in Olathe for many years. Ed started working there while he was in high school and returned to Burns when he was discharged from the military. He was very active in the community both personally and civically. He coached Little League baseball, was a long-time member of the local VFW, Kiwanis, Optimists, Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion Post 153. He served 13 years on the City Hall Board of Zoning Appeals and set up the printing program at Millcreek Vocational School. He was named an Honorary Alumni Board Member by what was then Mid-America Nazarene College, he served many years on the board of Old Settlers and was also active in his local and state Traveler's Protective Agency. He was also a Jaycee and served on the Chur, Switzerland Sister City Committee for many years. Ed was named to the Olathe Public Schools Alumni Association's Wall of Honor in 2011.

After the business was sold to Alan, Joan and Ed wintered in Arizona and Florida for several years. They traveled extensively, often going back to Joan's hometown in England.

Ed organized nearly 60 reunions of WWII Topographical Engineers. They would meet in different cities annually, both in the US and abroad, for a week of reminiscing and having fun. Ed and Joan, along with several other couples, hosted an annual Holiday Party at the American Legion.

Ed lived his life actively and always loved Olathe. He got his wish to live and die where he chose…at home in the city he loved.

His sister, Betty and daughter-in-law Mary Ann survive him as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Special thanks go out to the Steve Cunningham family and to Candy and Marty Birch who were faithful friends and neighbors and helped Ed throughout his later years.

Services are scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 9th at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 South Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS. Visitation is at the funeral home from 1 pm to 2 pm followed by the memorial service scheduled for 2 pm. After the service, burial with military honors will take place at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 South Blackbob Road, Olathe. A reception will be held at Penwell-Gabel immediately after burial.

Donations in Ed's memory may be made to your charity of choice.