Eileen Claridge

Eileen Ruth Claridge, 92, of Red Wing, died Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Red Wing Campus, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 16, 1933, in Mankato, MN to Lawrence and Mary (Klages) Olinger. She graduated from Loyola High School in Mankato and then attended Mankato State University for two years. On November 12, 1955, she was united in marriage, in Mankato, to Gary Claridge and they were blessed with five children, Gayle, Dale, Dennis, Diane and David. Following their marriage, they lived in Mankato where she was employed at the Mankato Credit Bureau. In 1958, they moved to Austin, MN and then moved to Red Wing in 1964.

Eileen was a member of the Church of St. Joseph, the Burnson-Lillyblad VFW Post #1218 and Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54 Auxiliary. She spent many hours volunteering as a Pink Lady for the Red Wing Hospital Auxiliary and the American Red Cross. Eileen enjoyed her many walks around the neighborhood, playing bingo, Tripoley, snowmobiling and was an avid euchre card player. Even at the holidays, following the meal, she was ready to play a game of cards. She made friends wherever she went and was always up for a party and socializing. Most of all she treasured the time spent at the family cabin in Grantsburg, WI along with being with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the world to her.

Eileen was loved and will be missed dearly by her five children, Gayle (Willie) Miller of Red Wing, Dale (Sue) Claridge of Eden Prairie, Dennis (Ann) Claridge of Vadnais Heights, Diane (Corey) Aadalen of Red Wing and David (Merri) Claridge of Red Wing; 11 grandchildren, Cody (Joey), Emily (John), Rebecca (Andrew), Will, Tony (Tati), David (Maddy), Henry (Isabelle), Erin (Curt), Amie, Gracelin (Nate) and Madalynn; four great grandchildren, Tucker, Griffin, Vivi and April along with more on the way; one sister, Joan Sampson of Auburn, CA; one sister-in-law, Audrey Claridge of Fort Atkinson, WI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary on October 5, 2011; one brother, Norman Olinger and two sisters, Delores Schindler and Janice Selly along with longtime family friend, Bob Crouse.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service at the funeral home, a celebration of life will be at the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54 in Red Wing. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54 or the Environmental Learning Center in Red Wing.