Helmer “Randy” Randa, 83

Helmer Ferdinand (Randy) Randa passed away peacefully at the age 83 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on August 25, 2013. He was born December 18, 1929 in Thomson Township, Cloquet, Minnesota, the sixth child of Hugo and Dagmar (Huikka) Randa.

Randy was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army in Alaska with the Army Corps of Engineers from 1951-53.

Randy grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota. He married Patricia McLeod on December 31, 1953 in Duluth, Minnesota. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, in Industrial Education and Social Sciences. The following year he returned to the same institution completing his Engineering Degree.

He was a respected mentor in the manufacturing world and passionate about product development. He was most proud of developing the first disposable intravenous needle and an air cleaner for riding lawn mowers. His work as an engineer took him to Minneapolis, Rochester and Glencoe in Minnesota, Bloomfield, Iowa and in 1981 to the Coeur d’Alene area.

Randy was a wonderful story teller. He loved to make people laugh. His siblings still share fond memories of him entertaining. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his great-granddaughter Amie (Johnson). She was the “Apple of His Eye”. Randy loved to watch and armchair quarterback football games. He always seemed to have a friendly bet going with his grandson, Jon.

He is survived by daughters Patricia (Steven) Rude of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Debi (Kurt) Neumaier of Post Falls, Idaho, grandchildren Jon (Tonia) Johnson and Joshua (Ally) Johnson, Matthew (Stacey) Rude and Sarah (Chris) Coffey and Amanda (Dan) Riedinger, great-grandchildren Andrew, Amie, Carter and Cole Johnson, Josie, Ella and Ethan Rude and Sebryna and Sydney Coffey, brothers Marvin and Wally and sisters Grace (Grider), Janet (Clemens) and Sharon (DeMarre).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia, son Robert, brothers Ray and Roy, sisters Ruth (Anderson) and Evelyn (Fredrickson) and parents.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Randy’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.