Randolph "Randy" Stevens
August 26, 1944 - December 17, 2020

Randolph "Randy" Stevens, 76, of Rochester, passed away from complication of Covid-19 on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at The Mayo Clinic, St. Mary's campus.

Randy was born August 26, 1944 in Rochester to Merrill and Adeline (Lahmers) Stevens. He was a 1962 graduate of John Marshall High School. After graduation, Randy went on to work for Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a conductor, where he spent his entire working career. After retiring from the railroad, Randy became a professional fishing guide on the great Mississippi and owned and operated River Rat Guide Service. Randy was a longtime member of Peace United Church of Christ. He loved hunting, dog-training, fishing, mushroom hunting, wildlife, taking in all the great outdoors had to offer and a great campfire. He enjoyed feeding the critters and watching birds, going for boat rides, playing cribbage, and enjoying good music. Randy loved talking with people, laughing, joking, sharing stories, and he had a big heart. Above all, he loved his family and his many friends.

Randy is survived by his children, Lisa (Troy Stevermer) Stevens of West Saint Paul, Robert (Dawn) Stevens of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, Matthew (Tara) Melmer, Brittney (Brandon) Jahnz, Christopher Alden, Cortney (Jesse) Bignell, and Olivia Stevermer; 12 great-grandchildren, Tristan, Riley, Braelyn and Brylee Melmer, Easton, Parker, Lennon and Harlyn Jahnz, Freya Naseth-Alden, Colton, Mae and Grayson Bignell and significant other, Verlene Benck. Randy was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Stevens; granddaughter, Samantha; brother, Richard of Spring, Texas; and 3 loyal and phenomenal hunting dogs, Tag-a-long, Ralph, and Louie.

A celebration of Randy's life will be held privately for family at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, and also livestreamed for anyone else on the Ranfranz and Vine Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/ Rev. Paul Bauch will be officiating with inurnment at Grandview Memorial Gardens at a later date. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020 at the funeral home. Due to Covid-19, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. A larger outdoor celebration of Randy's life is being planned for this spring or summer or once the community spread of the Covid-19 virus has passed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bob Briggs Memorial Veterans Goose Hunt.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Stevens family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.

Tributes