Randy Monserud
February 20, 1953 ~ January 27, 2020
Randy Monserud, 66, a life-long Cedar Rapids resident, passed away January 27, 2020, at his home. Gathering of Family and Friends: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Private Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Randy Monserud, 66, a life-long Cedar Rapids resident, passed away January 27, 2020, at his home. Gathering of Family and Friends: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Private Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his children, Molly, Rick (Becky Galvan), and Steve (Amy) Monserud; grandchildren, Sean, Emily, Hudson, and Matilda; siblings, Bob, Jerry, and Jon Monserud and Ann Tvedte; and many in-laws, extended family members, and friends.
Randall James Monserud was born February 20, 1953, in Cedar Rapids, to Alfred and Lorraine (Schulte) Monserud. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1976 after studying to become a Pharmacist. He married Deborah Hannon on May 15, 1976, in Cedar Rapids. He worked for K-Mart for over 25 years as a Pharmacist, retiring in 2010. Randy was a simple man who enjoyed reading, discovering fun toys for his grandchildren, and taking care of his plants. The majority of his time was spent as a loving father and grandfather. He will be especially missed by his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved wife, Debbie.
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Randy was a force. I still have the $2 bill that he handed my wife and me as we set off on a trip to Mexico, telling us that if we didn’t think we had options, we did. We could always call Randy. He shares stories of his travels in California and taking chances. We lost one of the good ones. My heart is with you Monseruds.
Well, I’ve been dreaming of Randy, my brother-in-law, and woke up laughing, twice. (Mostly about water balloons and Debbie’s porch, and all the fun games he devised for his children). But also tiny touches, like the special cold martini glasses in Dot.coms freezer, ready for a tribute. I am remembering him with Deb and the kids and all of us, but also with George and Dorothy – and the geniality and shared humour, and that low rumbling voice, adding a well-planned joke. Also the picnics on mom’s back patio – sometimes with Fritz and Lori. Many summery memories today, of laughing, and kids, and family – on this cold winter day. Mary
I have known Randy since I was 21. He was a loving father to three outstanding human beings. We shared a mutual passion for reading and could always share our thoughts on the latest silly detective/thriller. The last book I shared with him was for Christmas. He made it to page 91 of Game of Thrones. He was very kind to his grandkids, taking the time to find them unique and engaging toys. He loved hearing updates on their latest endeavors. He will be missed.
Oh Randy, how sad it was to come upon your obituary this morning in the paper. We worked together at the Kmart Pharmacy for a handful of years while I was in HS and College. He was an awesome boss. He’d share his advice and stories, and we’d laugh. He was so funny and told ya how it was. Someone mentioned his low gruff voice in a comment before – I had forgotten that part, but so true. He always had your back. I still remember the day I got married, he told me if my husband ever gave me any grief to come and tell him, and he’d “take care” of it. He was one of my first bosses and one of my favs. I agree with who said it earlier, we lost one of the good ones. Remembering the memories today, and always.
More from Canada – we wish we could be there today to say goodbye to Randy, and hug everyone. We’ve made a contribution to TreesForever.org, in Randy’s name. They’re in Marion, and a great group that works with youth to train them as ‘foresters”. The CR Forestry dept. says they’re great. And in the spring, CR Parks & Rec says if we BUY a tree, we can choose a place to plant it for Randy and Deb in a CR park! So we’d love to do that, too. Mary and Richard
I was also twenty something when I met Randy, but he wasn’t. Randy was then concentrating on wooing Debbie and he was successful. Together they raised three amazing and adventurous people. On our trips to Iowa, we would always stop at their house and play pool in the basement. I never won, but Randy would always say nice shot whenever I managed to sink the odd ball or maybe the even ball. It was fun running out for supplies – be it buns, beer or burgers – in the VW Beetle. After a BBQ we would digest in the garden while Randy showed off his vegetables or perennials. His house and garden were always fun to visit so we think he would like some trees planted. I hope Deb and Randy can run a few tables now.
There were many reasons I couldn’t WAIT to do one of our Iowa trips when I was a kid and young teen, and a big one of those reasons was Uncle Randy. Way before I was old enough to ‘get’ his jokes, I would find myself totally giggling because the combination of the dry delivery and TWINKLE in his eyes that made me happy, I still can’t help giggling even right now thinking about it. For whatever reason, I can remember Randy’s voice when other’s have faded away, there was much kindness in it. I loved him very much and am constantly blown away by the three incredible people that are his kids and my beloved cousins. My heart is there with every one who knew him.
I have know Randy since My sister Deb started dating him. He taught me how to drive a stick shift, was very patient with me. We dove around on country roads, we were in their VW bug. We went to Iowa Hawkeye football games, leaving the stadium with all the people, he told us to watch the blockers- meaning him, being short ,we kept a bead on him. I will miss him.
Together forever, at last.
I also worked part time with Randy at the KMart pharmacy and it was fun and he was a very nice boss. My brother, John, married Randy’s sister, Ann. When Ann and John’s twins celebrated their birthday, Randy and his brother,Jerry and his wife, Jane, came to celebrate. Also other family members came and we all had a blast! Randy will be missed. Susan Reuter
Ann and family—- I know how hard it is to lose your family members. I miss my sister, my parents, and my husband. Memories help to make it easier so keep those memories in your mind and your photos also. Love, Norma Tvedte
Randy’s home was always open, his home was a beacon of respite, especially to the weary travelers his children guided his way. There are several of us out there, Stew, Mike, Jay & Brooke, Joe, Welnick, TC, Aaron, and so many others that know Randy as a mountain of a man who guided us down the the road of life as we passed through his realm. I’ll always remember his his rebel tendencies, and all the Bob Dylan bootlegs he burned for us as parting gifts. Randy and Deborah Forever!
Our sympathy goes out to the Monserud family. Our son, Kevin, used to be in middle school with Rick and they would play tennis together. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Sincerely, Jeanette and Terry Wey
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your brother and dad.
I remember him full of energy when he came to visit Toronto in the early 00’s: helping around the house, playing with the kids, even washing the rug :). And insisting on the value of folic acid for pregnant women. And his voice: I always loved his voice, that rich baritone. Love to his three kids, and their own families and children.