Jeffery E. Redman

Jeffery E. Redman, 54, of Brownsdale, MN, formerly of Palestine, IL, died on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 in Rochester, MN. He was born at 7:10 a.m. on June 24, 1962 in Robinson, IL, the son of Harry Redman & Janet (Corder) Redman. Jeff grew up in Palestine and was a member of the Palestine First United Methodist Church and Cub Scout Pack #333. He worked for Bob York and for Brock’s Food Town and IGA as a teenager, stocking shelves and carrying groceries. “Gene the Dancing Machine” was a 1980 graduate of Palestine High School, where he was a manager for the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He went on to volunteer with the Palestine Fire Department and Rescue Squad. In 1982, he started truck driving and drove for North American Truck Lines, Midwest Transit, as well as a number of other companies before becoming an independent owner/operator, driving all over the continental U.S. until an accident forced him into an early retirement in 2012. When he wasn’t on the road, he stayed busy collecting and restoring fire trucks, one of which was featured in the movie “Backdraft”. Family and friends alike remember Jeff as a happy man who got along with everybody. He will long be remembered for his love of Christmas and for his wonderful sense of humor. Jeff met his wife, Candice Taylor while working at IGA, and they were married in May 1988. He is also survived by his son, Alexander (Brownsdale, MN); by his parents, Harry Redman & Janet Redman (Palestine, IL); by his brothers, Greg Redman (Palestine, IL) and Mark Redman (Palestine, IL); by his sisters-in-law, Jeanette Redman and Sandy Redman; and by his nephews, Sean Redman & Sierra Youngblood, Brandon Redman & Madison Long, Cody Redman. A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 27th at the Palestine First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow and will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Jane Drake and Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating the service. Memorials may be made to the Palestine Booster Club, with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.