Jean Mlinar, 85

Sept. 17. 1936 —

March 12, 2022

 

SPRING VALLEY - Jean Elizabeth Mlinar, age 85, of Spring Valley, Minn. (formerly of Cresco, Iowa) passed away on March 12 at Ostrander Care and Rehab in Ostrander, Minn.

A private family celebration gathering will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at the Spring Valley Mausoleum. Hindt Funeral Home (Spring Valley) is handling the arrangements.

Contributions/memorials in memory of Jean Mlinar can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com

Jean was born on Sept. 17, 1936, the daughter of Clarence and Berdie Parker in New Hampton, Iowa. She lived in New Hampton until moving to Cresco in 1949. She graduated from Cresco High School in 1954.

After high school, Jean was hired by Keith Mlinar, owner of the local movie theater in Cresco. In 1956, they married and together they owned and operated the Cresco Theater for several years. They both loved movies and being able to share that love with their community.

Jean was a homemaker and mother to their two sons, Mark and Michael. She was a member of the Cresco United Methodist Church, where she was a choir member for many years.

Jean is survived by her son Michael (Chad) of Richfield, Minn.; daughter-in-law, Julie of Spring Valley; seven grandchildren, Patience (Steve) Johansen, Justin (Sarah) Mlinar, Malachi (Shelby) Mlinar, Levi (Chantelle) Mlinar, Abby (Adrian) Saenz, Bethany (Jordan) Wilmeth and Nathaniel (Dani) Mlinar; 17 great-grandchildren, Dylan, Emily, Katelyn, Mason and Mollie Mlinar,  Jacob (Nicole), Isaiah and Caleb Johansen, Mabel Mlinar, Parker and Olivia Mlinar, Elena, Jackson and Josiah Wilmeth, Caleb Saenz and  Nolan and Remy Mlinar; one great-great-granddaughter, Emmalyn Johansen; two sisters-in-law; a stepsister; and a stepbrother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith in 2006; her son, Mark in 2021; and two great-grandchildren.