Obit: Genrich, Randall E. (1929 - 2018)

Contact: Linda Mertens
Email: mertens@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Genrich, Hovland, Langer, Chapman

----Source - Private Collection

Randall “Randy” E. Genrich (1929 – 7 Aug 2018)

Genrich, Randall E. Age 89, passed away on August 7, 2018 at Village Shores in Richfield.

Randy was born in Dorchester, Wisconsin and was preceded in death by parents, Otto and Emma Genrich; brother, Donald; and niece, Chrystyne. He is survived by loving wife, Trudy (Hovland); children, Steve (Ann), Sue, and Sarah Langer (Gary); grandchildren Noah, Haley, and Ryan Langer; six nieces and one nephew; and many, many wonderful friends.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls with a Master’s Degree in Education, Randy spent many years as a Special Education teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Randy taught at many schools in the district including; Hiawatha, Hamilton, Seward, Agissiz, Howe, and more. Randy Coordinated the districts Hearing Impaired Program for many years. Randy was an avid gardener of both flowers and vegetables. He was a facilitator at the Twin Cities Men's Center and a friendly volunteer to many incarcerated men at Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Stillwater and Lino Lakes. Randy was active in the Morris Park Players community theater and the Hiawatha branch YMCA. On May 27, 1985, WCCO Radio and Dick Chapman awarded Randy the "WCCO Radio Good Neighbor Award". It was Better Speech and Hearing Month and Randy was recognized for his work with deaf children in the Minneapolis School District. Randy was a United States Marine and was stationed in Japan during the Korean conflict. Randy (and Trudy) took charge of their neighborhood block party for many years. In the mid-80's, Randy went on a Vision Quest in the Big Horn Mountains. He spent three days alone without food and was presented a Bear in his Vision. Randy loved rocks and turtles and had acquired a substantial collection of both. Randy was a devoted member of Mayflower Church in Minneapolis where he served on many boards and sang in the choir.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mayflower United Church of Christ, 106 E, Diamond Lake Road at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 15th, 2018. Please wear bright colors to represent all the colorful flowers that Randy loved! A lite lunch will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mayflower Church Music Ministry or the Twin Cities Men's Center, 3249 Hennepin Ave So, Minneapolis, MN 55408.