Janice A. Riedlinger Hilken

Janice (Jan) Ann Riedlinger Hilken was the first-born of seven children to Magdalene and
Wilbert Riedlinger on September 6, 1958. She grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota where she
graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School and, later, the Mary College / St. Alexius
Hospital program in respiratory therapy.

After college, Jan relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado which remained her home until her
unexpected passing of cardiac arrest on April 28, 2024.

During her years in Grand Junction, Jan worked in healthcare as a Registered Respiratory
Therapist and in a cardiac catheterization lab as well as a family practice clinic until her
retirement in 2020. Jan was a talented sewer, cook, and gardener. She also was an outdoor
enthusiast, enjoying the beauty of Colorado and happily sharing that with all who visited her
over the years. Jan also had a love of travel and relished opportunities to see the world up
close.

At the same time, Jan was just as happy being at home to support the lives of her children,
Kevin and Shyla, who were the pride and joy of her life. She instilled in them her love and
appreciation for education and exploration, ensuring them opportunities and experiences that
would enrich their lives. She delighted in their successes and those of others. Jan was also a
supportive daughter, sister, and aunt who always made every effort to celebrate in person the
milestones of her family members’ lives.

Jan will be missed greatly by her children and their partners, Kevin and Savannah Hilken and
Shyla Hilken and Thomas Neff; her mother, Maggie Riedlinger; siblings Karen and Kent Leidall,
John and Jean Riedlinger, Cindy and Clarence Doll, Carla and Mitch Tupa, Shari and Anthony
Ellertson, and Nancy and Russell Schmidt; 11 nieces and nephews; five great nieces and
nephews; and a cadre of wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Riedlinger, paternal and maternal grandparents,
and many aunts, uncles, and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held Saturday, May 11, at 2 pm at First Baptist
Church, 720 Grand Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

Jan will be remembered for her adventurous nature, generosity of spirit, and kind heart. She
was a loyal mother, daughter, sister, and friend.