Randy Venhuizen Obituary

I'm writing this today as today was an important day as I decided my Degree. I'm now studying to be a veterinarian and its my second year of college classes. Its been 15 years since my father passed away and I know that I have most definitely missed him. I've used many of my memories of him to get through the toughest times of my life. Proudly I can say I don't remember a single negative thing about my father. I pray that he knows that I love him and never blamed him for anything and he has been nothing but a positive influence on me and in my life. I like to believe that my father is the reason that I've become so in love with music with my nearly 4 instruments I can play. I know without a doubt that my father is proud of me even and I know he's been the one keeping me safe all these years. Love you Dad I always have and I will continue to.

We have been without Randy for a year now it still seems like a bad dream.Just waiting for the clock to go off and Randy will still be with us' but days have come to a year and no Randy. We are still trying to understand WHY...anger,blame and tears won't bring him back so we just go on with life as we know it.As we pass the year mark I hope all who turn to this page to read or write something will take a moment and say a prayer for Erin and Dylan We didn't know that day that God would call your name we loved you in life and now death the same.It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone. For a part of us went with you when God called you home.And even though we can not see you,You are always by our side.Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,but as God calls our names one by one the chain will link again. I read this awhile ago.Thought it was very conforting.

It is hard to believe that Randy is gone. It has been a year and it doesn't seem real.Most of my memories of Randy are of him as a child.He was such a happy kid, who loved to talk and was as cute as he was smart.I am glad I got to visit with Randy two years ago and see him as a father and husband and meet his wife and son. Erin was the perfect match for him and Dylan has his twinkle in his eyes. Randy still had that same personality that he had as a little boy. What I will remember most about Randy is his smile and his eyes.I wish that my children had gotten to know him as adults. He will always be missed

by the whole family.

Not that all the days haven't been hard since Randy's death, today I am really feeling my loss of my brother as the tears run down my face. Today, I would be calling him to wish him a Happy 37th Birthday and there is nobody to call, I just say it out loud and hope he hears me. I miss him so incredibly much, it hurts. I miss talking to him, at least once a week, often daily or more. Our talks that night of his death will always ring in my mind, I wish I could have helped him more, been there for him more. I believe my brother and I were truly close. I know he is with me every day. As a matter of fact, the other night at work, a song from our childhood began playing in my head and I was soon signing it word for word. It was a birthday song, Captain Zoom I think, that inserted our names in it and our Mom had a record for each of us that she would play in the morning of our birthdays. I looked up at the clock and it was midnight, June 20th...it was officially his son Dylan's 5th Birthday! His love for his son lives on! Happy Birthday, Randy, you are truly very missed!

As Randy's mother I will never really find the words to express myself...the loss of my first born is more then a shock Randy and I grew-up together.He has left many fond memories.Randy also left a sweet grandson to carry on... which I know He loved with all his heart when I look at Dylan I see Randy in his eyes and smile.My Randy's love for life will live on in Dylan forever......I know Randy can look down and be proud of his son he's already turning into his own special person.I am bless to have Erin and Dylan as family.We will all miss Him very much. Not a day goes by that I don't see him in my mind and he will always be in my heart.

I just heard the news a few days ago, and I am deeply saddened to hear of Randy's passing. I send my deepest sympathy to his wife, child and family. I knew Randy during high school, I graduated with his brother Tim. Although it has been many years since I have seen him, I felt a deep sense of loss when I heard the news. Randy always had a way of making you feel good about yourself. He will be missed!!!

The loss of Randy still seems unreal to me. Although we did not see a lot of each other in the last few years, I am thankful for the memories I have.

The story of Randy and Timmy (when they were little) riding their bikes behind the mosquito repellent truck, pretending they were going through the fog. ( I love that story.)

He loved his family dearly and made sure everyone knew that.

However I keep coming back to his overwhelming love of Dylan. I had never seen so much pride and love in his eyes. He could not wait to bring him over and show him off. It seemed just natural for him to drive with a lil guy for an hour and a half, change diapers, feed him, and pay complete attention to him. I was so impressed with that.

I'm thankful he brought Erin and Dylan into our family. I'm thankful for his humor, his sensitivity, his open mind and his compassion. May God Bless his soul, and I hope Uncle Jer and Randy are watching the ball games and enjoying their reunion. I know he's still watching his family, he always will.

My deepest sympathy to Randys mother, sister, brother, nieces & nephews. I know there loss is great. My heart is broken for my sister Erin and my nephew Dylan. I know Randy loved them both with all his heart. Dylan was Randy's pride and joy. Just a few short weeks ago Dylan received his first T-ball trophie. I cannot tell you how proud Randy was of Dylan. He could not wait to get home and put that trophie on Dylans shelf. I think Randy was more excited than Dylan. Randy was at every game and was ready to help out when ever needed. I am so glad they had that time to share together. Randy has left his legacy in his son. Dylan has his dads button nose, and as Dylan would say "I have green eyes like my daddy", and of course there is the wonderful gift of gab Dylan inherited from his father. Randy will always be with us just look or listen to Dylan, and again as Dylan would say, "daddy is in our hearts and in our brains", forever.

I will miss my cousin Randy a lot. I will miss the Christmas Eve dinners that we all spend together. I will miss his laugh and his outgoing personality. I remember when Erin was expecting Dylan. Randy was so excited, that was the happiest that I ever saw him. I will always keep him in my prayers and he will greatly missed.

This is not easy to write because Randy is already missed and will always be. When Erin introduced me to Randy I liked him from the start. He was very open and easy to talk with, and I will always recall our little debates. There were several times that I needed his help and he gave it happily. I suppose the thing that is sticking in my brain the most is when Dylan was on his way. I can recall talking with him about the baby and you could just hear the love in his voice. Randy was a very passionate person. He was very clear about the love he had for his wife, his son and his family. I am very greatful that I had the chance to know him. I wish him peace.

I will miss Uncle Randy very much. We had alot of fun together. He never missed my birthday.My Best time with my Uncle is when we went to six flags together. We liked the White Soxs alot. I will always remember his voice, and all the good times we had. Im sad He will miss my 16th birthday.Ryan

So sad to hear the news of Randy's passing. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.



Fred and Kathy Venhuizen

The most passionate I ever saw Randy was when he talked about our common interest, music. When we saw each other we talked about drums and music sometimes for hours. However, the only other thing he felt more passionate about was his family. I'll miss those talks about music and Dylan.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Randy. I remember when Erin 1st saw him. She told me to look at him.. He has puppy dog eyes, dont you think so. She was right he had those soft puppy eyes. We will miss him.

I was so terribly shocked and saddened when I heard of Randy's death. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all members of his family. I got to know Randy and Erin through our sons, who have become fast friends. When I think of Randy, I will remember him at his son Dylan's fourth birthday party this year. The event was held at the Dino-Rex indoor amusement park. Randy was having just as much fun as the children. The image I will keep in my mind is one of Randy and Dylan on the bumper cars together -- Dylan with his head thrown back, squealing with delight as his laughing dad came charging at him in the bumper car. I remember thinking what a wonderful father-son moment I was watching at the time. It was pure joy. And that picture is what I will hold in my mind.

I was saddened to learn of Randy's death. I knew him in the late 70's early 80's when we were in grade school and junior high together. Although I haven't seen him in over 22 years, I remember him to be an amiable person, and my deepest sympathies go to his wife and family.

Sincerely,

Donna Axelson-Stinnett

I knew Randy for a short time many, many years ago-- (about 14, to be exact). I was from Mt. Greenwood and we went to Columbia College together. I was shocked and saddened to see his obituary. My deepest sympathies to his family.