"We were so sorry to hear about Uncle John. I havent seen him for so many years but have a lot of memories from the times in Dickinson. Our hearts are with you Aunt Emily and the whole family . It doesnt make it easier, but we know that he is in a better place. With Love John & Mary Fran"
In loving memory of
Randy Johnson
June 28, 2010
Randall Scott Johnson, son of Clayton E. and Mary L. (Nelson) Johnson was born on September 8, 1957 in Red Oak, Iowa. He passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 28, 2010 on the family farm at Essex, Iowa at the age of 52 years, 9 months and 20 days.
Randy lived all of his life in the Essex area growing up on the family farm northwest of town and had just recently moved "back home" last fall.
He attended the Essex Community Schools, graduating with the Essex High School Class of 1976.
For the last 22 years, Randy worked for Shenandoah Sanitation in addition to farming. Prior to that he worked for Funk's Oil in Shenandoah. He was a member of the Fremont Lutheran Church at Nyman.
Randy loved farming, family gatherings, his many friends, coffee at Lou and Al's, lunch with the guys, visiting with his route customers, his niece, nephew, nephew-in-law and great nephew. He also enjoyed vacations to Mexico, Hawaii, California, Colorado skiing, trips to Spirit Lake for boating and water skiing, and snowmobiling. Randy was also well known for pulling pranks on anyone and everyone.
Preceding Randy in death was his mother, Mary L. Johnson in 2003. Survivors include his father, Clayton E. Johnson of Shenandoah; two sisters, Deb Comstock and her husband Terry of Stratford, IA and Vicki Maher and her husband Chris of Omaha, NE; niece, Sara Comstock Livermore and husband Josh of Iowa City, IA; nephew, Andy Comstock of Stratford, IA; great nephew, Abram Livermore of Iowa City, IA; aunts, cousins; Scooter the cat; other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to the Randy Johnson Memorial Fund. Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Nyman.
Tributes
"Aunt Emily and Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of your husband, father, & grandfather. It is a great sorrow to know that Uncle John was also the last surviving member of the Wolf family. While he lived a long life, it always to soon to see our loved ones leave us. Time has a way of easing our sorrows and helping us cope with their passing. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Alene"
"You are in our prayers and thoughts,We will always remember him.He always had a smile on his face,and when talking with him,you knew he enjoyed life,even though he spent very little time on this earth.I truly believe that he lived and loved life more than some people that live to be 90's. He was so hard working,honest,and he would do anything for anybody,even if you we're a stranger.We truly believe that god sends angels on the earth,to walk with us and teach us how to make this world a better place and teach us how to love one and another. I think that everyone that was blessed to have know him,can say that he left his footprint on our hearts for ever. God Bless Ron & Rozella Orme"
"It was a real shock to read about Randy's death on the KMA website. My dear Debbie, please know you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Though I didn't know Randy well, I remember your stories of him as a great kid brother, hope such memories will sustain you and your family through the days to come. I'll stay in touch, always, Pat"
"Vicki and Deb, I am so sorry to hear about Randy. I know that there is nothing that I can say at this time to take your sorrow and empty feelings away. Randy was a great person, liked by everyone. I never saw him without a smile, he was a kind, hard working nice man. I know that he is in heaven, looking down on you and will always be in your hearts. He will watch over you like a guardian angel. I know Mike does. If you need to ever talk, please feel free to contact me. Barb Martin"
"I am still in shock as I'm sure you are also. May you find peace and strength in the wonderful memories you all share. I am so sorry for your loss and wish I could take the pain away. Rest assured that Randy made many people smile and laugh and he touched the hearts of many including myself. He will be greatly missed. ~ Love You All, Kim Tudor"
"so very sorry for your loss of Randy, he will be deeply missed by so many. Our prayers are with all of you."
"Clayton and family, We are so sorry to hear about Randy's death. Those happy memories will live in your hearts forever. Prayers & hugs going your way to all of you."
"Vicki and family, we were so sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking about you and please let us know if we can do anything at all for you. Patty and Dave"
"Our hearts go out to Randy's family. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all. Tommy and Judy Graham "
"I am so sorry to hear Randy passed away. I grew up in Farragut and moved away from the area 28 years ago. I had not seen him for a good part of that time, but remember him as one of my good friend. I know he will be missed. Your family is in my prayers. Melanie (Bengtson)Patterson"
"Clayton, Vickie and Debbie, I just got the phone call from Wayne and I am so sorry about Randy. He lite up your home with smiles and total enjoyment. I am sorry I can't come but know in my heart that I am praying for him and I hope he is sitting with mom & dad & Mary at anyone of the farms and looking down on us with pleasure. Phyllis Erickson Urban "
"Clayton, Vickie and Debbie, I just got the phone call from Wayne and I am so sorry about Randy. He lite up your home with smiles and total enjoyment. I am sorry I can't come but know in my heart that I am praying for him and I hope he is sitting with mom & dad & Mary at anyone of the farms and looking down on us with pleasure. Phyllis Erickson Urban "
"Dear Johnson Family, So Sorry to read of Randy's passing. It's hard to believe someone so young can leave us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ALL at this sad time. God Bless! Bob and Robin Lynn and Family "
"Randy was one of the many friends from Essex that I made in my teens and early twenties. I have fond memories of those times. One time Randy and I think it was John Lindburg (its been a lot of years) were broke down outside of Clarinda on a very cold winter morning. I was on my way to college in Clarinda and I stopped, picked up the half frozen guys and took them back to Essex. I remember Randy saying over and over how thankful they were. I just told them to return the favor if they ever found me broke down along the side of the road. I can still picture those two jusmping up and down trying to stay warm and so glad to see someone they knew with a warm car!!!"
"We all are deeply sadened for the loss of Randy. He was a great person and a friend to all. I am so sorry for your loss Vicki! I will keep you all in my prayers with the knowledge that this is just a stepping stone in life compared with eternity with God. God Bless. Chris Isaacson"
"Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Jane(Nelson)Auten "
"Debbie Vickie and Clayton. Sorry to hear about Randy. Fred was a co-worker of Randy's and enjoyed working within. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your families at this times. We will always remember the good times we had visiting with him. Fred & Diane Strunk"
"So sorry to hear about Randy's passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time."
"Family of Randy, So shocked and sorry for your loss. I had just talked to Randy Thursday and am so glad I took the time to pull over and harass him. He was a great guy to have as a neighbor and a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all!!! Mark and Teresa Simmons AJ, Bret, and Dustin"