John Redfern

Lyle John Redfern, 79, of Jefferson, passed away Feb. 22 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.

John was the son of Lyle and Margaret (nee Breitenstein) Redfern and was born June 21, 1934 in Linden. Following graduation from Guthrie Center High School in 1952, he served two years in the U.S. Army prior to beginning a long and productive career with Iowa Electric Light and Power. John started out as a lineman in Jefferson, worked in Perry as a supervisor, got promoted to Industrial Relations Manager in Cedar Rapids, and served as IE’s Eastern Iowa Development Manager prior to retiring to Lake Panorama near Panora in 1991. He moved  back to Jefferson in 1995.

John married Kathryn White in June of 1956.  To this union were born two daughters: Lori and Lisa. John was a loving and faithful husband and father. He loved the outdoors. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter, golfer and fisherman. He and his siblings also dabbled in thoroughbred horse racing, more for the camaraderie than purses. In his later years, John and his portable oxygen  tank were familiar sights at various Iowa casinos.

John is survived by his daughter Lisa of Cedar Rapids; brothers: David Redfern (Linda) of Jefferson; Tom Redfern (Cindy) of Guthrie Center; sister: Mary Lou Roth (Joe) of  Lake Panorama.

He is preceded in death by his wife Kathryn in 2007; daughter Lori in 2013; two brothers: Fred and Jim.

A Service of Remembrance was held at 2 p.m. Feb 26 at the Central Christian Church in Jefferson. Words of comfort were by Rev. Deb Griffin of the Central Christian Church. Music selections were I Will Always Love You, The Gambler and Iowa State Fight Song.

Casket bearers were his nephews: Chuck Roth, Chad Redfern, Travis Redfern, T.J. Redfern, Dana Redfern, Jeff White and Jay White.

Memorials in memory of John may be given to the family.

Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home of Jefferson assisted the family with arrangements, 515-386-2171, www.sliningerrossowfuneralhome.com
 

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