L. Dale Redlin

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5 Levi Dale Redlin was set apart by God from his mother’s womb, to serve God in the pastoral ministry. He was born to Levi E. and Mable L. (Stein) Redlin in Crocker, South Dakota on October 19, 1932. He was welcomed into God’s Kingdom and Family through baptism on June 9, 1934. He professed his faith through Confirmation on June 8, 1947. Growing up on the farm, Dale learned many important lessons about hard work and even herding sheep which helped prepare him for being a shepherd of God’s flock.

Dale graduated from Watertown High School in 1950, and continued to work on the farm for a few years after. He chose to serve his country during the Korean War by joining the US Army and was stationed at Camp Carson, CO. Upon returning from the army in 1954, Dale had his eye on a cute young girl from Watertown, SD named Beaula Hope Olmanson. They attended Bethany Lutheran College together for two years and were married on August 25, 1957. The Lord blessed them with 2 children, Julie and Mark. Dale continued his education at Mankato State College receiving a Bachelors degree in History and German. The Lord moved Dale to study for the pastoral ministry and he attended the newly established Immanuel Lutheran Seminary in Mankato. He graduated and was ordained into the pastoral ministry in 1963.

Dale served congregations in Pueblo, CO; Cheyenne, WY; Jamestown, ND; Spring, TX; and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato until his retirement in 1998. In addition to the pastoral ministry Dale served our Synod on the CLC Board of Missions, Board of Education, and the Board of Doctrine as well as the ILC Certification Committee, and Mission Outreach Committee. After his retirement Dale continued to serve the Lord by preaching, covering vacancies and authoring several excellent books detailing the wonders of God’s love and salvation. Dale had a deep desire to tell everyone of this great salvation.

Dale enjoyed many adventures with his family, camping, fishing, playing games. Dale and Hope led trips to Israel, Germany, and Alaska, as well as enjoying some winters in Texas and Alabama.

“Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21

The Lord graciously called His faithful servant to his eternal home on July 6, 2025. Clothed in Christ’s Righteousness by faith, Dale has received God’s promise of eternal life. Dale is survived by his sister-In-law, Betty Redlin, his two children, Mark (Dawn) Redlin and Julie (Dave) Reim; 6 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife Hope in 2023; and a great granddaughter Keturah Hope Redlin in 2019.

He will be remembered with thanksgiving to God by his family and the many people he served with the gospel. 

A Memorial Service Celebrating Christ’s victory over death will be held at 11:00 a.m., August 2, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, MN. Visitation will be one hour before the service. The Interment of both Dale and Hope will be after the service in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Mankato, MN.