Randal Randy Craig Smith, age 65 passed away May 11, 2020.
Randy was born October 6, 1954 in Harlan, IA to the late Ural and Evelyn (Bissen) Smith.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Phyllis Monahan and Marilyn Kleffman.
Randy is survived by his wife, Bonnie Smith; 5 children, Keri (Hiro) Misawa, Mark (Katie), Sam (Tawnya), Ted (Alicia), Teresa (John) Sandquist;15 grandchildren; brothers, Norman (Jean), Gaylen (Zita), Roland, and Dan (Tammy).
Visitation will be Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 pm at Community Bible Church (9001 Q St, Omaha), a private family memorial service will be Friday, May 15.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Bible Church, Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center, or Caring Bridge.
Tributes
Holly Copley wrote on Jun 4, 2020:
"My heart grieves for the Smith family! What a loss of a terrific man! This family has always been a huge blessing to me and Ive always looked up to Bonnie, Mark & Katie, and Keri for their service, kindness, humility, and resolve. We will keep you all in our prayers during this difficult time. Love you so much and I feel your pain."
Gloria Royal wrote on May 24, 2020:
"Sorry to hear about your loss of Randy. Accept my prayers. Gone way too soon."
Rick Pauley wrote on May 18, 2020:
"Bonnie and family sorry to hear of Randy passing . Over the years he always had time to visit and catch up on life stories . He was a good fellow and will be missed .May God guide you and your family threw this tuff time in your life . And may God Bless you and your family. Rick Pauley"
Dean Fleming wrote on May 16, 2020:
"Everyone here is so spot on about Randy. I would like to add a few memories. Things this humble and caring man did. I only knew him a few short years. We worked in a fire station together. His just being there led to a great degree of harmony. He was our moral compass and he brought out the best in each of us. These are a few things he did that made us love him although we could never use words like that in those days because we had to be macho. But we did love this man. Randy made popcorn on a gas stove in a hand cranked kettle better than anyone else I ever met. It was usually on a card playing night. He knew every nuance of corn popping! He churned rock salt ice cream on a summer evening. The windows open with the perfect breeze coming in. The sound of crickets outside in the night. In the spring Randy would plant Vinca flowers in this ugly patch of dirt just to bring us some color and joy into our drab surroundings. Once, to save some money, he and I decided to give each other a hair cut at work. We wondered how we might look with an old fashioned FLAT TOP cut. When we were through, He looked like a Fighter pilot. I looked like Forest Gump. Maybe the greatest thing Randy ever did for us was to bring Bonnie's cinnamon rolls to work. It would be on one special Sunday morning like Christmas! He would bring in a tray or two and finish baking them in our oven at work. The aroma was mesmerizing. As he carefully pulled the warm rolls from the oven, you could just see him beaming with pride for what his wife had created from scratch! And to this day, as far as I know, Bonnie's cinnamon rolls have no equal. Randy Smith knew how to make ordinary moments special. He was a friend and a brother to all of us at Fire Station 30 B. He NEVER asked to be that. That's just what HE WAS in our eyes and hearts. His simple, caring and funny style was like no other person I have ever known. On top of that, He could drive my Farmall tractor better than me. And I thought I was real good! My Heart felt Prayers go out to the Smith Family. He came into my life from nowhere and made me a better person. Thanks, Randy."
Mike and Cheryl Ozmun wrote on May 14, 2020:
"Its been a number of years since we attended church together, but we will always remember Randy. He was forever willing to help out in any way with our crazy ideas for decorating the church or working in the kitchen. When we said we agreed to feed 300 plus people Thanksgiving dinner from scratch he didnt bat an eye he just asked what he could do. We always enjoyed card nights at Bonnie and Randys and their welcoming hospitality, kindness and friendship. We are so thankful knowing he is in the arms of our Lord Jesus and that we will absolutely meet again. Our prayers are with you, Bonnie, and your beautiful family. They are an amazing testament and legacy to you and Randy. Mike and Cheryl Ozmun"
Michele and Ed Whitcomb and Family wrote on May 13, 2020:
"We want to extend our thoughts and prayers to Bonnie and their family. We were blessed to have known him at our church. My children always thought he looked just like John Denver. We never heard him sing so who knows. Although, we do know that he made sure, by setting a good example, that serving and caring for others was of utmost importance. His children are all a beautiful extension of his beliefs. May they know that others are lifting them up during this difficult time. Starting a new chapter in their lives, without dad, is a difficult one. Thinking of all of you!"
Craig Graeve wrote on May 13, 2020:
"Bonnie, please accept my condolences to you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you."
Janet Bruck wrote on May 13, 2020:
"Randy was a fun cousin. Enjoyed talking with him when family got together. Our prayers go out to Bonnie and the family. A hard fought battle. RIP"
Bill Hipsher wrote on May 13, 2020:
"Bonnie, so sorry for tour loss. Kim and I are praying for you and your family. Bill&Kim"
Mike Ferzely wrote on May 13, 2020:
"We were fortunate to cross paths with Randy in the mid 1980s when we were remodeling our first home on Shirley Street. Randy not only was an expert craftsman but he displayed great care, calm and integrity while working at our home and sharing Friday sit down lunches in our dining room. We want to extend Bonnie and the family our sincere condolences. Mike Mary Ferzely"
Doug Sandquist wrote on May 13, 2020:
"The Smiths have been a part of our lives since 1993 when we began attending CBC. Tim & John became friends with the boys and then John & Teresa married, giving us 3 grandkids to share. We will miss comparing kids stories in the kitchen on Wednesday evenings. Randy knew the writer of too many songs and would throw out, what he called, a useless bit of information regularly to a good laugh. We will all miss Randy but know that God welcomed him into His presence for eternity and in this we have peace and are thankful we called him our friend."
Bonnie Kenkel wrote on May 13, 2020:
"Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Randy. I never had the privilege of speaking with Randy very often but when I did I enjoyed his quiet and simple conversations. I prayed so hard that he would be cured of his cancer, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. He is now with the Lord whom he loved so much. I pray now for you Bonnie and your family, that the Lord will help you through these lonesome days. Love to all!"
Jane Wagar wrote on May 13, 2020:
"Bonnie and Family, There are not adequate words to express my sympathy for your loss. He will be so missed! I have such great memories of Randy from our time at St. Mary's Catholic School for 8 years and Harlan Community High School for 4 years (especially those years at St. Mary's)!! Randy has been such a great husband to you Bonnie and an amazing father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. I have always been so impressed by his (and your) faith in the Lord and how you have lived that faith and taught that faith to your children. God has welcomed into his kingdom a truly amazing man!!! Sending prayers and love to you and your family! Jane Wagar"
Sharon Altman wrote on May 13, 2020:
"Bonnie and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Randy was such a kind and pleasant fellow. May your memories always bring you solace, strength, and many smiles. The Leonard Graeve Family"
Kris Curtis wrote on May 12, 2020:
"As I thought about what memory I could share this one in particular has stayed with me and quite frankly changed the way I view life. A year ago our couples bible study group( 6 couples ) all decided to go camping at Little Sioux campground at the Dicks place. We had a wonderful day beginning with a hearty breakfast cooked over the campfire, doing a craft , and joy riding on Kathy and Denniss golf cart to see the flood waters. As the evening drew near and the sun began to set in what they call the Golden Hour, where there seems to be a hush in the air and the sun dapples thru the trees, we all settled down to visit and I think a few played some games. I found myself sitting on the porch with Randy just visiting and as most of you know Randy is a man of few words but when he speaks it can be profound. I dont remember the specifics but we talked about family and the things of life that really mattered. As a group we had been sharing our joys and fears and lives with one another for some time. As Randy looked out over our group he conveyed that this... this moment mattered and to take each moment and drink it in and be thankful.,and to appreciate and encourage others. It was as though he was giving me his eyes to see what was important and because of his cancer this moment in time was sweeter. I dont know if he said it that evening.. but he said that sometime after he learned of his diagnosis that he made a decision, I am going to LIVE until I die. And he did! He soaked up all the moments and lived them to the fullest with intentionality. He made memories and encouraged others. He loved his family and I will always be thankful for his friendship and lessons he passed on. I am better for knowing Randy, and I hope I live until I die."
Keith Graeve wrote on May 12, 2020:
"Randy was more than a brother-in-law - He was one of my very best Friends. I loved to just visit with him. He was wise and, in a way. Philosophical. He also had a great sense of humor. Sometimes a person has to listen carefully to catch the humor in the jewels he would give out. Other times he gave real knee slappers. He loves to imitate Norton from the old Honeymooners series. Years ago we were into enjoying his routine and came upon the idea of recreating a version of the Honeymooners on our home movie camera. It was a hoot, especially Randys version of Norton. I have to find that old film."
John Graeve wrote on May 12, 2020:
"In 1975 or76 I was out of work and I helped Randy do a couple of remodeling jobs. It was a good time and I got to know my Brother in law a lot better, especially his sense of humor , his compassion for people. I experienced his love for his family and his love for our Lord. Over the rest of his life I saw him and his family grow in their faith. He leaves a great legacy as all his children are faithful in their faith and all are raising their family as their father Randy lead them."
Bonnie wrote on May 12, 2020:
"I might have that. . Great memories"
Barb Graeve wrote on May 12, 2020:
"Randy blessed me in so many ways. His Caring Bridge posts took me right into his deep heart. Randy helped transform our fixer upper home and swim school. We kept him so busy with projects. My swim school staff loved him and considered him part of our team! Several times he shared very sentimental things he wished he had done differently as a father. He had great wisdom. Ill never forget the time he took off the boys bedroom door because of something they had done. That fixed the problem! Bonnie and Randy have raised a beautiful family!"
Lisa Strasser wrote on May 12, 2020:
"Randy was such a special part of our Wednesday kitchen crew! His humor and quick wit always had us laughing. We never knew if were getting Randy or his alter ego or Leonard. One day while rolling out pizza dough for Stromboli, Leonard got frustrated and walked of the kitchen, but moments later, Randy walked in and finished the job. Our crew will greatly miss our dear friend!"
Doris and Lenny Schmitz wrote on May 12, 2020:
"Soo many wonderful memories. One comes to mind of in are younger years, Randy, Bonnie, Lenny and I on a winter night, decided that girls build a snowman and guys a snowwomen. Outside we go and did we have some impressive finished snowman and snowwoman. (pictures to prove it) Also remembering all the camping, and when kids came into the picture, they came to. Many nights of card playing and laughter. Randy was always so kind and helpful. Helped us put a dividing wall in our basement. He put a note in the wall before sheet rock went up. Not sure what was on the note but he sure was laughing. Someday, someone may take out the wall and find it. Was so much fun to have around. Wise man and positive attitude. His love of his faith, wife, family and friends glowed. Will greatly miss this amazing friend. Doris and Lenny"
Linda Graeve wrote on May 12, 2020:
"Randy was such a special man to us. He wore so many hats in my life . First and foremost he was my brother in the Lord. A man who walked in integrity and honored the Lord in all he put his hand to. He was a safe place to share ones heart ,with tears and laughter, knowing he cared because he listened. Of course, all over a good cup of coffee with Keith and Bonnie. Next he was a great brother in law. He loved Bonnie and his children and grandchildren. I remember him blinking back a tear occasionally as he would ask us to pray for any special needs that might come up occasionally. We also had great times over dinners and card games with family. He would keep us all accountable to put our penny in the cup when we would buy during a game of Shanghai. We laughed so hard as he startled us by rattling the cup for payment. I also had the privilege of being his second cousin and I was mighty proud of that because of the great of man he was. We relied on Randy as our all around repair man, in every home and business we owned. In my opinion there wasn't anything Randy could not figure out and fix. It was a blessing to do life on earth with Randy. We will miss you every day."