Jean Elizabeth Mlinar, 85, of Spring Valley, Minn., (formerly of Cresco, Iowa) passed away on March 12, 2022, at Ostrander Care and Rehab in Ostrander, Minn.
Jean was born on September 17, 1936, the daughter of Clarence and Berdie Parker in New Hampton, Iowa. She lived in New Hampton until moving to Cresco, Iowa, 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 Jean married Keith 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, Minn.; 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, Olivia Mlinar; Elena, Jackson, Josiah Wilmeth; Caleb Saenz; Nolan, Remy Mlinar; one great-great-granddaughter, Emmalyn Johansen; two sisters-in-law, a stepsister and a stepbrother.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Keith in 2006, her son Mark in 2021 and two great-grandchildren.
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.