Video Tribute : https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GP89S5XF2T38PZB5?e=1

Jacob J. Redington, age 20 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was born March 3, 2005; the son of Randy and Lisa (Rielly) Redington. He graduated from Freeport High School with the class of 2023 and was attending Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA where he was studying to become an Elementary School teacher and wanted to coach wrestling.

While at FHS, Jacob played Freshman Football, wrestled 4 years and was a student teacher at Blackhawk Elementary his Junior and Senior year.

Jake worked the last 2 summers for Highland Community College's upward Bound project as a mentor. He was named FHS Athlete of the year for 2023. 2X IESA State Qualifier, 2019 IL Freestyle State Champion, 3X NIC 10 Champion, Fresh-Soph IHSA State Qualifier, 3X IHSA State Qualifier, 2023 Greco IL State Runner Up and 3X Fargo IL Team Qualifier.

Jacob belonged to several wrestling organizations/clubs throughout the years including: IKWF, IESA, Dakota Wrestling Club, Alber Athletics, FHS Wrestling, Dekalb Hurricanes Summer Freestyle/Greco Wrestling, Big Jim Shed member and Cornell College Wrestler.

Jake was passionate about working with youth and simply loved to mentor or coach. One of his best qualities was supporting those he loved. If he was in your corner he was in your corner for life. He would celebrate your success and encourage you through the tough times. He was a sports fanatic and could tell you every stat, name every 2nd string, team record etc. He enjoyed playing "The Game" with his friends. He loved his 49ers. His biggest passion obviously was wrestling. ANYTHING WRESTLING. ANYWHERE WRESTLING. ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT. To those who coached him, mentored him, competed with him or against him, please know your impact on his life was immeasurable. Thank you for also sharing his Love of Wrestling.

Jacob is survived by his parents, Randy & Lisa Redington; Sister and Best Friend, Jessica (Torry Early) Redington; Grandparents: Ron & Linda Rielly and Judy Redington.

Aunts: Chris (Gary) North, Renee (Troy) Barr, Rita (Shain) Gallagher, and Rhonda Oscar.

Cousins: Caleb (Chloe) Janssen, Joseph Janssen, Tess Oscar, Raina Oscar, Blake Gallagher, Grant (Taylor) Gallagher, Andrew (Sam) North, and Abbie (fiancé, Brett Denure) North.

He was preceded in death by his Grandfather, Jim Redington.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. Grand River Hall, 101 S. Liberty Ave has graciously offered to open their doors to us from 5-10 PM to gather to celebrate Jacob. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Park Hills Church, 2525 W. Stephenson St. in Freeport IL, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.