Randall 'Randy' Edwin Crist, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, November, 8, 2024, his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, Catherine, was by his side. He was born November 20, 1956 in Iowa City, Iowa to Jean Evelyn Crist (n��e Wood) and Clifford Melvin Crist, who both preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine Crist (n��e Deshaies); children, Berlin Crist and Sarah-Elizabeth Deshaies; and preceded in death by his son, Alexander Crist; also surviving are his uncles, Charles (Donna) Wood, Richard (Colleen) Wood, and Dean (Katie) Wood; loving mother-in-law, Jean Michaelis (n��e Tuck); brothers-in-law, Jerry (Carrie) Michaels, Ronnie (Kathy) Michaels, Jonathan (Karie) Michaels; sister-in-law Jeanne-Marie Fournier; nephews, Raffi and Zachary; nieces Claire, Julia, Hannah, Willa, and Millie; brother Grayland (Kathy) Crist; nephew Josh (Kristi) Crist; nieces Stacy (Tyler) Edwards, and Kayla Crist; many loving cousins, and a broad group of friends ranging from life-long friends and most recent acquaintances.
He was also preceded in death by his uncle Mearl (Berniece) Crist; aunts Shirley Wood and Joan (Rodger) Brisso; and uncle Keith (Loretta) Wood.
From a young age, Randy shared a love of music with his mother and enjoyed working alongside his father on their family farm in Stanwood, Iowa. He had a lifelong interest in electronics starting in high school, where he was enrolled in many courses at Kirkwood Community College involving electronics. Randy continued to attend Kirkwood to begin his Electrical Engineering Degree while also working as an Apprentice Electrician and ultimately a Journeyman. He enrolled at Iowa State University for a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering before enlisting in the United States Navy and served as an electronics technician working on radar stationed in Guam until his honorable discharge. Following his service, Randy worked on medical particle accelerators for Computed Tomography at Varian Associates in Palo Alto, California. Randy returned home to Iowa to be closer to family where he met his loving wife, Catherine, and his children Berlin and Sarah-Elizabeth. Randy and Catherine were united in marriage on December 12, 2004. For the last 18 years, Randy worked as a Senior Electronic Technician at Collins Aerospace. He enjoyed everyone he worked with and is remembered as a positive, kind, and caring person.
As an avid audiophile and musician, Randy played acoustic, classical, and bass guitars in many bands, and had an appreciation that was unbound by genre which he loved to share with everyone, and always had music playing in the background. He was a nature photographer whose love and appreciation for all facets of the world knew no bounds, and he could often be found with camera in hand, capturing every moment. He had a passion for studying history and family genealogy and loved learning about his roots.
He also enjoyed riding his bicycle and getting up early in the morning to see the sunrise. Randy always had a special love for animals, the gentlest heart, was caring and generous with every being in life. He saw people in the most honest and fundamental way with a focus on their goodness. Despite difficulties in life, he took everything in stride, adapted, and lived his life as full as possible. Anything Randy was interested in, he would study and become an expert through extensive research and attention until he mastered it. Randy brought humor and joy to those around him and he was an avid prankster.
Above all his family came first, for whom he will be remembered as a protector and provider.
A Celebration of Randy's Life will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, beginning with a procession including military honors from the Crist residence to the Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services Funeral Home at 1844 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids. Those wishing to view and participate in the procession will need to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Grande Avenue SE and Forest Drive. Please park your car on Grande facing 19th Street so that you may join the procession to the Funeral Home starting at 10:00 a.m. with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.; visitation and refreshments will follow.
Please share your support and memories with Randy's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries or you may call the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Randy will always be remembered by me as a sweet and loving man. He loved his family and Catherine so very deeply. Always with words of encouragement and words of love for all of them.
I spent many hours sitting in the back of the many meetings that Catherine would run and Randy would join her always supporting her. He would tell jokes and we would talk about photography and other such things.
What an incredible loss for the world
Catherine and family my heart felt condolences. The loss of a loved one so quickly brings anguish, sorrow, and asking why . Emotions so difficult to understand. Hopefully the loving memories and happiness will help with the grief. My prayers for you and your family during this most difficult time. I am unable to hug you in sorrow at this time. Maybe a phone call someday will reunite friends. In love and prayer Myrt Bowers.
In memory of Randy, a kind and loving cousin.The world was kinder and gentler place when he was with us.Our condolences to Catherine and the children.
Randy was the only person I know who could get me to jump out of my skin, by pulling a silly little prank! I wish to always remember him as a funny, sweet, kind person who could always make me laugh.
In fondest memory of our dear cousin Randy. May he rest in peace.
You taught me more guitar and let me play flute to your guitar. I still enjoy the tapes.Always my Friend Till that time Rand, Till that time.
Crist family, Randy was a dear colleague and friend who is loved and missed by all. So very sorry. ~Collins Aerospace, Engineering Technical Services
It’s really hard to believe Randy Christ is No More. He was just a nice person. Rest in Peace Randy. We are definitely going to miss you in Collins.
My deepest condolences to Randy’s family. He was an amazing person and colleague who will be greatly missed.
God wrap your arms around this family during this difficult time. Rip unc
Randy, I will miss your humor and kindness. I met Randy in 1976 at Kirkwood where we worked together on the college newspaper. Over all these years we kept in touch. Our families have grown and our lives have changed but not Randy’s love for his family and friends. I know we’ll meet again, peace be with you.
Carolyn Sweeting
Catherine, Grayland and families, I am so sorry for your loss. May the many memories shared with Randy help to mend your hearts. God bless, Jean (Williams) Johnson
Wow, I just came across this obit I had no idea Randy had passed. I met Randy in 1977, worked with him when he was an electrician, we were roommates for a couple of years, we went rock climbing and repelling at Palisades Park, took skydiving class together. I have to say this such a shock. Good times good memories.