"The last time I talked with Randy he was telling me how much he enjoyed camping on the weekends. Even if the weather was lousy he still wanted to spend the weekend camping, I think mainly because he made friends so easily he wanted to meet up with them again. Rest in peace fellow classmate. Dan Reding "
In loving memory of
Randy L. Elbert
December 30, 1957 - January 18, 2021
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church. Burial will be held in East Lawn Cemetery. The funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Five Saints Catholic Community YouTube Page. www.youtube.com/user/stceceliaalgona The Burial will be live-streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/oakcrestfuneralservices.com. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona. Social distancing practices will be followed and masks are required for both the visitation and the Funeral Mass.
Randy Lee Elbert was born December 30, 1957 in Algona, son of Melvin and Irene (Berger) Elbert. He grew up in Whittemore and graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1976.
Upon graduating from high school, he went to work for Snap-on Tools at the age of 18. This started Randy on a career that meant everything to him. Snap-on wasn't just a workplace; it was a second home and he retired at the age of 62 after 43 years of dedication.
On July 16, 1981, he was united in marriage to Vickie Petersen in Whittemore. Together they enjoyed camping and boating for many years and spending summer weekends at R & J Campground near Fairmont, MN.
Randy had a wide variety of beloved hobbies. He particularly enjoyed woodworking and building things. He made his daughters doll houses when they were young and was currently helping his son-in-law remodel a house. An avid outdoorsman, you could easily find him gardening, boating, camping or fishing. Randy loved socializing and his interest in smoking meats and BBQ was a great avenue to enjoy time with friends and family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren whether it was taking them on vacation or spoiling them with the things they loved.
Surrounded by his family, Randy died Monday, January 18, 2021 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines as a result of a heart attack. He was 63.
He is survived by his daughters, Alicia (Nick) Baxter of Center Point, Chelsea (Phil) Wilson of Bondurant; grandchildren, Luke Baxter, Owen Baxter, Aiden Wilson, Easton Wilson, Natalie Baxter; mother-in-law, Irene Petersen of Algona; siblings, Sandi (Donald) Goede of Algona, Terry (Carol) Elbert of Branson, MO, Jeffrey Elbert of Evanston, IL; brothers-in-law, Roger Hansen of Whittemore, Kevin Petersen of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Missy (Kevin) Rash of Algona; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Vickie; sister, Diane Hansen; and father-in-law, Orie "Bud" Petersen.
Tributes
"There were a lot of memories with Randy growing up in Whittemore; Crawdads and golf balls. Deepest Sympathy to Randy\'s family. RIP Randy. "
"I worked in the paint line at snap-on with him, had many memories of us working together. He was a great guy and will miss him a lot "
"Our deepest sympathy to Randy\'s family Mike and Deb Roethler"
"Much sympathy to Randy?s family. He was such a great guy. Have many great memories at St Michaels and while we were attending Garrigan. His smile is one I will always remember. Blessings to you all. Ann Metzger "
"Deepest Sympathy to all of the family!!
RIP RANDY!!
THE SEWICKS,RANDY,LORI and FAMILY"
"Condolences and prayers go out to the family of a wonderful person. Enjoyed many good times and memories with Randy growing up. Tom Winkel "
"Chels... some of the best memories I have are with you and your family. Giving your dad so much hell at the campgrounds is a lot of them. Playing AAU and having him cheer us on in the stands. One of the best was during Christmas time at your house. It was snowing and Randy snuck upstairs turned the shower on and then snuck outside in his Santa suit. I know we were in high-school then, but when he knocked on the window I totally was believing in Santa ? He and you had the best laugh at my expense. Also, him tricking me into trying his insanely spicy hot sauce. He was 1 in a million and will be deeply missed. Hugs to you and Alicia. Love Razz"
"Randy AKA cheesy was a friend of mine when we were in high school I grew up in West bend he was in whittemore and my friends and I would always go up to where tomorrow and we\'d hang out with them and party with them I knew spider too Terry Albert and I married a man from algona Mark buscher and we moved to Kansas City and we kind of lost touch in about a month ago your dad contacted me and we talked for about a half hour of the phone it was nice sure glad he got a hold of me and we kind of reminisced my condolences to your whole family Laurie buscher"
"my heartfelt prayers to Randy\'s families. He left our world much too soon, but God had other plans for Randy. Cherish the memories and keep them close to your hearts. Randy---you will be very much missed but never forgotten. REST IN THE HIGH HEAVENS IN PEACE. With Love and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Mn.--[formerly of Algona, Iowa]."
"Randy was such a great guy! I?ve known him for years; he trusted me with his girls years ago ! Such a hard worker and loved to give me a bad time ! Can?t believe this is real ... so sad :( Hugs to his family ! Godspeed Randy "
"My heart is aching. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I have many great memories of Randy which I\'ll keep close to my heart. Love & hugs to his family"
"Our hearts go out to all who love Randy. Still finding it hard to think this is real. He really loved life and his family. Randy built a lot of great friendships at Snap-on. He will truly be missed. God bless Mike Foley and Kathie Ricke"