In loving memory of

Randy L. Lafrenz
December 19, 1956 - March 16, 2015

Randy L. Lafrenz, 58, of Bennett, died Monday, March 16, 2015 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 10:30 am, Peace Church of Christ United, Bennett, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, Iowa. Burial will be held at a later date in Inland Cemetery in Bennett. Memorials, in honor of Randy, shall be directed to the Bennett American Legion, Bennett's Peace Church of Christ United, and the Tipton Athletic Boosters. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Randy was born December 19, 1956 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, son of Leroy and Nadine (Schneckloth) Lafrenz. He graduated from Bennett High School and went on to also graduate from University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Randy was a rural US Mail Carrier since 2002 and a life-long farmer. He was the Commander of the Sons of the American Legion and a member of Bennett's Peace Church of Christ United. Randy took great pride in watching all four of his children compete in athletics at Tipton. The only thing he cherished more than watching his kids compete is when he became a Grandfather. Every time one of the grandkids walked into the room Randy would just beam that smile that everyone who knew Randy knows. Randy was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Whether it was one of his little one liner jokes or the tootsie roll he handed out to just about anyone he walked by. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Randy is survived by his mother, Nadine Lafrenz of Bennett; wife, Karen Lafrenz of Bennett; daughter, Melissa (Scott) Wubben of North Liberty, Iowa; sons, Matthew (Brooke) Lafrenz of Nauvoo, Ill., Michael Lafrenz and his fiancé, Hillary Goos of Lisbon, Iowa, and Mark Lafrenz and his special friend Sydney Bodie of Bennett; sisters, Linda (David) Meyer of New Liberty, Iowa and LuAnn (Dennis) Lafrenz-Kuysten of Toronto, Canada; and 4 grandchildren, Derek, Carson, Declan and Miles. He was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Lafrenz.

Tributes

Pamela Knox wrote on May 18, 2015:

"I just found out and we send our sympathies from Virginia."

Mitchell Becker wrote on May 2, 2015:

"Dear Karen, Thank you for mailing me all the information about Rudy. I am in shock and can't believe he is gone. I have a lot of great memories of our travels together in our single years. We really enjoyed cruising together. You guys have a wonderful family. I still remember visiting you guys and how much Rudy loved working on the farm. I will always remember him. Rudy is still with us thanks to his children and grandchildren. Wish I lived closer and could see you all now. My prayers are with you."

Andy, Kim and Katelyn Schweik wrote on Apr 22, 2015:

"Nadine, Linda, LuAnn, Karen and families, We are so sorry to hear about Randy. We are thinking of all of you at this very difficult time."

Nicole Maggio wrote on Apr 15, 2015:

"Nadine (Gramma) - I'm so sorry for your loss. Randy was a great man and anyone who him would say the same. I loved Randy and he will always have a special place in my heart. He was so warm and kind and really made me feel welcome when I joined your family. I always looked forward to seeing him when we came to Iowa. I admire him for how selfless, helpful, and devoted he was to you and his family. He was so kind and generous. He was just one of those people who always seemed to have some sort of glow, some sort of infectious happiness about him. He could make you smile even if you were in a bad mood. I've been lucky to have gotten to know him and will remember and miss him forever. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. Love always, Nicole Maggio "

Jim & Pam (Rekemeyer) Thompson wrote on Apr 13, 2015:

"Nadine, Linda, LuAnn, & Karen & Families: Jim & I would like to send our sincere condolences to you all. We were very stunned to hear of the loss of Randy. Losing a family member like this seems so sudden and distressing, yet God has a plan for us all. I remember the fun times of playing in band with Randy and watching him play basketball in the gym in some good contests. He had a great smile! And so we wish you all well."

Rhonda Benedict wrote on Apr 10, 2015:

"LuAnne...I'm so sorry for the untimely loss of your brother. "

Brian and Irma Madorin wrote on Mar 21, 2015:

"Nadine and family, You have our deepest sympathy. As a child I first remember Randy as a Giant on the basketball court. Taking the time to teach me many Basketball skills.Then teaching me the skills of hard work on your farm. I thank you Randy for taking time for me. I am surely a better man for knowing you. May you rest in peace. "

Sherry Foster-Hardy wrote on Mar 20, 2015:

"My prayers and thoughts are with all of Randy's family and friends at this difficult time. I was a classmate with Randy at Bennett. I remember he was always smiling and friendly with everyone. God Bless you and yours in this time of sorrow. Randy...keep smiling from above & know your loved ones will feel your love. "

Larry Prokup wrote on Mar 20, 2015:

"I didn't know Rudy all that well but he struck me as a very caring and giving soul. In a recent conversation he shared with me how he looked after his mom since his Dad passed on. I also remember how he always liked to share things from his garden, most notably his rutabaga and I'm assuming maybe that is how he got the nickname Rudy. You will be missed by all who knew you kind sir!"

Glenn & Ellen Fear wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"Sorry that we are out of town and will not be able to attend services or visitation. Our sincere condolence to all the family. Sympathy and prayers to each of you. "

Merry Ibsen (Brett Eggert's sister) wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"My sympathies are with you in this time of sorrow. Rudy and my brother were good friends. He stopped by the house several times last year after Brett's surgery to lend a hand with yard work, drink a few beers, and share some good conversation. He was a kind hearted man whose generous spirit will always be remembered ."

Chris & Carmen Cook wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss. Randy was such a freindly mailman that always had a great smile and friendly wave. He will be missed by us along with many."

Gail (Ewoldt) Schebler wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"To Nadine, Linda, LuAnn, and Karen, I would like to express my deepest condolences to all of you. I was a classmate of Randy's from kindergarten until I moved to Davenport in 1972. I'll always remember the good times we had in Algebra. And of course all the basketball games. Randy and all my Bennett classmates will always have a special place in my heart. May God bless you and keep you in your time of grief. "

Lynn Butterbrodt wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers, and sending my deepest sympathy. "

Clarion Hotel Davenport wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"May you all find peace in the memories you share, thoughts and prayers. Colleagues of Makenzie Meyer"

Gayle Laucamp wrote on Mar 19, 2015:

"We are so sad to hear about Randy..All the years at the sporting events, and that Proud look seemed to be with him always. Keep on shining for your Dad, Grandpa and Husband. Make him proud!!! Gayle and Randy Laucamp "

Debra Bartscher Stewart wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"To the Lafrenze family: I am so sorry for your loss. Randy is with you in spirit and someday you will see him again. I remember Randy from when we had 4-H meetings with Nadine at the Lafrenze home. You have my deepest sympathy."

Jim and Sue (Marsh) Haut wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"To Karen and family, Our deepest condolences to you all. I can't imagine the sorrow you are all going through at this time, but please know that our most heartfelt sympathies are with you all."

Kevin Siemsen wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"To Nadine, Karen, Linda, LuAnn and all the LaFrenz family, I know how much Randy's passing hurts each and every one of you inside, like a part of you has died. But I also know that God heals all wounds even if it takes a long, long time. Take comfort in the fact that your memories of Randy will endure forever. Let me share some of my memories of Randy with you. I was so shocked when Kathy called me with the horrible news of Randy's accident. He and I went way back from bowling on Saturday nights to playing together on Brou's basketball team in '71-'72. It's hard telling how many evenings I spent at Leroy and Nadine's house too. Whether it was playing pool or ping-pong or just watching The Monkees on TV, their place was the local hang out for a lot of Bennett's teens. I remember going with Leroy, Nadine and Randy on vacation to the Carolinas in '72 so Linda & LuAnn could stay home and run the Dairy Sweet. And the stressful days I sat with them at the hospital in Davenport praying for Randy's recovery from his auto accident in '75. So I think you can see that Randy and I shared a lot of good times. He was the only "brother" I ever had. I will miss Randy terribly but I will never forget him. Rest in Peace Rudy. We'll see you on the other side my Friend. Kevin Siemsen "

JoDee Meyer wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"So very sorry for your loss. I ran into Randy last month when I was back in Bennett, had such a nice conversation with him. He will be dearly missed."

Kelly Conrad wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"We will miss Rudy very much! He was always willing to lend a hand. He helped my Dad rake leaves when his health wasn't good. He would always stop by with fresh sweet corn and asparagus, and to take a sit to visit. Rest in peace Rudy. We will always remember your kind heart."

Don and Michelle Miles wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"May your memories comfort you during this time of sorrow. .. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way."

Connie (Elgin) Petersen wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"Lafrenz family, thinking of you during this sad time. So sorry for your loss."

Kevin and Michele Hogue wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"Thinking of the Lafrenz family. Hold onto the memories. May they give you strength to heal."

karen stiff wrote on Mar 18, 2015:

"Nadine , I am sorry for your lose and our sympathy goes out to you and your family. Kim, Karen (Rorick) Stiff and Cody and Jeff stiff, You are in our heart and prays. "

Richard R Hambright wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Words cannot express how sorry we are and send our deepest sympathy to the entire family. I didn't see Randy that often, but when I did I could always count on a smile, a friendly "hello how you been", and a nice conversation. Without a doubt he will be truly missed."

Mary Ann and Daryl Haley wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"We will dearly miss our friendly mailman. Our puppies will miss Randy's pats on their heads and the treats he pulled out of his pocket for them. "

JIM AND JOYCE BRUS wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"TO THE FAMILY AS WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE, OUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME."

Wilma Kuysten wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Nadine, Linda, LuAnn, Karen and all the family, Harris and I are very saddened to hear the news of Randy's passing. We send love and hugs your way."

Glenn Butterbrodt wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"So sorry to hear of Randy's passing. My brothers and I always looked up to him in more ways than the obvious, in how to work hard and have fun doing it. The Lafrenz family will always have a special place in my heart and memories. "

Dale Regennitter wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"My sympathy to all the Lafrenz family. I can still see him laughing and that big smile. "

Kevin wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"I bought a lot of my asparagus from Randy, he'd drag a handful outta the seed corn bag he drug around in that Marquis trunk. I was a city carrier in the Iowa City PO, and shared quite a few cold beverages with Randy up until I retired in 2009. He sure was proud of his kids and their exploits on the athletic fields. So sorry to hear of the accident, you'll all be in my prayers. RIP Big Guy!"

Alan Magnani wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Lafrenz Family...know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We are so sorry for your loss. Alan, Diane, Trey, Jordan, and Lexie Magnani"

Melissa Reynolds wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Rudy would come in every morning to buy his newspaper at Mel's pit stop! Always made a conversation with everyone, and always gave his smile and a tootsie roll to who ever was there! You will very mussed dearly Rudy !!!"

Kim, Randy, and Seth Ehlers wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Karen and family, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Kathy (Siemsen) Minde wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Nadine, Linda, LuAnn, Karen and all the family - my heart goes out to you. I first got to know Rudy going to Nadine's house for 4-H projects. Then he and Kevin played basketball together. Living in a small town, we all knew each other. Karen, my mom always filled me in on what was going on with your kids. When I came back for the Bennett reunion, Rudy and I talked kids and college sports. Both of us were proud parents and understood how they other felt. I lost my husband 2 years ago with both my kids in their early 20's. It's rough but it is getting better. God be with all of you and know my prayers are with you."

Rich and Kiaya wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"We are so sorry for your loss. I will never forget Randy and the times we had together at all of the kids sporting events. Thoughts and prayers to all of your family."

Fry Funeral Home wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

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Janell (Regennitter) Brooks wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"My heart broke when I heard the news. Rudy touched the lives of so many people. He stood a foot above most of us but never looked down at any of us. He was a great guy with a big heart and a warm hug. He will be missed well beyond the Bennett/Tipton area. May God wrap His arms around all of you and give you comfort in this time of loss. "

David and Janice Wilson wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"We will truly miss our friend and neighbor of many years. To Nadine, Karen, Matthew, Melissa, Mark, Mike and your families our prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember Randy. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, our most heartfelt condolences. "

Patti Hoos wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss. Randy was a classmate of mine. He was a great guy and will be missed greatly. Sending prayers to all."

Jenny wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Karen and family, my whole family sends our love and deep sorrow to you. We are all thinking of you and so very sad to hear about Randy. I know you are surrounded by love now from your family created with Randy, and all the others who love you so much. Our thoughts and prayers are sent your way!"

Janet MacNaughton wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Karen, you are always part of my heart. My deepest sympathy. "

Mariann Harmel wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Rudy was one of the sweetest and most caring persons I have ever met. He had a huge heart and wonderful smile. He will be missed deeply."

Trish Hermiston Yarolem wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Thoughts and prayers with the family. Sorry for your loss."

Michel Foulks wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss.I had alot of tootsie rolls thanks to him.He was always smiling and up for some good conversation. He will be missed."

Chuck and Judy Lukemyres wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss .He will be so missed,really got to know hin when he started to deliver are mail.He was always smiling and always had something nice to say. Are condolence to the family."

June Dominacki wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. We are so proud to have had Randy and his family as part of our family here at First Baptist Church of Davenport . We are here for you Karen and kids. Blessings, June Dominacki - First Baptist Church "

Brenda McGowan wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"prayers & sympathies for the entire family - Brenda (Freeze) McGowan"

Lou Meyer and Lorna Pahl wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"So sorry to the family for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers"

Carl Badtram wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"It's hard to believe it's been 40 years since We graduated. Rudy always greeted you with a smile. Rudy was a true friend to everyone that knew him. He will be missed. "

Michelle Petersen wrote on Mar 17, 2015:

"Rudy...I met you some years back when our twins swam together in YMCA. You were a good man then and you were a good man now. Thanks for shooting the shit with me last week at tacos waiting for Mark. Always nice to catch up. It won't be the same without you delivering my mail either. Always bringing me a little candy stash of tootsie rolls and hand delivering my packages with a smile too. Thinking of you and raising my glass to you fella!!! RIP Rudy...."

Trish Regennitter wrote on Mar 16, 2015:

"Nadine and Karen and families....you will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!"

Jane and Maury wrote on Mar 16, 2015:

"Years have gone by too quickly, but I remember all of the good times we had. So sorry for your loss Aunt Nadine, and all of the family. Always love you all."

Tom and Deb Holladay wrote on Mar 16, 2015:

"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. "

Gerri Scherer wrote on Mar 16, 2015:

"Karen, Matt, Melissa, Mark & Mike, and family You have my deepest sympathy. The last time I saw your husband/dad is when I stayed with your Mom last year. Your husband/dad had the beard which I stated he needed to shave off he would better if he shaved it. Also, your dad and I visited quite a little that evening. RIP"