JOHN RIEDLINGER

JOHN RIEDLINGER SPEARVILLE, KANSAS - John Otis Riedlinger, 90, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at home surrounded by his family in Kingfisher, OK. John was born January 21, 1934, in Spearville, Kansas. He was one of four children born to John and Carrie (Tonar) Riedlinger. He graduated from Spearville High School and received his bachelor's degree from Emporia State University. In March of 1953 John enlisted in the Navy. He served during the Korean War from 1953-1957. He was stationed with the VF92 Fighter Squad, on the Philippine Sea Aircraft Carrier, Alameta California and served as a Structure Mechanic. After his tour, he was stationed at Miramar, CA. He was then transferred to "Fautupac" a Fleet All Weather Training Center located at North Island, San Diego, CA, where he finished his service and was honorably discharged. John met Charlene (Hege) Riedlinger in 1957 and they married in 1959. Three daughters were born of this marriage: Debra, Kyle, and Laura. He was an insurance adjuster and later opened his own business: Spearville Insurance Agency from 1975-1999 when he sold his business and retired. He and Charlene moved to Dodge City, KS where he worked for Al Hutton Realty and Pony Express. John is survived by his loving daughters and their husbands: Debra Lee (Randy) Rockwall, TX, Kyle Cerny (Dennis) Kingfisher, OK and Laura Norwood (John) Rockwall, TX. Three grandsons that were the joy of his life and 5 Great Grandkids: Jonathan, Lynda, Alli and Jaxon Riedlinger; Trevor, ReAnna, Holly and Lyam Plain; Hayden, Kreg and Jackson Kastner-Plain; and numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years Charlene Riedlinger, parents John and Carrie (Tonar) Riedlinger, sisters Virginia Peters and Mary Louise (Alfred) Hertel and brother Ron Riedlinger. Graveside service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Kansas with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. There will be full military honors by the United States Navy and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Knights of Columbus in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.