William "Bill" Randall

William "Bill" Alan Randall, 82, of Browns Valley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.  He was born on Oct 19, 1938, to Everett and Marian (Ziemer) Randall. He graduated from Browns Valley High School in 1956 and took courses at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.

On June 27, 1957, he married the love of his life, Marlys Ruth Schueller at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley. They lived in Browns Valley most of their lives. They had four beautiful daughters… that caused him many many gray hairs.

Throughout his life he had a wide range of occupations, starting by working with his father in the commercial fishing business that he took over early in his life. He worked for the BV Telephone company in the summer months. He enjoyed working with and helping people and was successful as a banker, insurance agent, realtor, cellular telephone salesman, and selling docks which he did as a hobby in his retirement years.

It was important to Bill to serve the communities he lived in. He was a volunteer fireman, played and managed the Bomber baseball team, was mayor (twice), on the school board, very active in the alumni foundation, on the Citizens for Big Stone Lake committee, delivered Meals on Wheels, took many people to doctor appointments, was a Lion and always willing to help his friends.

Bill loved music. He was a member of the Centennial band, bringing joy to many with his mean super cornet playing skills. He sang with the BV Community Choir, with the Catholic Church choir for special occasions, and sang solos/duets for many weddings, funerals, and other special events. One of his favorite times was singing duets with his daughter.

He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He was one of the first archery hunters in Traverse County to harvest a whitetail deer with his recurve bow. He loved his hunting trips with friends and family, especially pheasant hunting trips/gatherings. He was a member and attended many Pheasants Forever banquets.

Bill tried to attend as many sporting, musical, theatrical, and other activities that his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces/nephews and their kids were involved in. He seldom missed an opportunity to cheer them on.

Bill had many adventures throughout his life. He and Marlys went to every US state with many different traveling partners. He loved visiting his Idaho family and traveling up Old Baldy.

One of his favorite activities after he retired was fishing in the summertime with friends and family. He cherished those long days of trying to be smarter than the fish.

Bill is survived by wife Marlys of 64 years; his four daughters Lisa (John) Meyen, Melinda (Joel) Fischer, Marlita Johnson and Terri (Curt) Ritter; 12 grandchildren Katie (Josh Watson) Meyen, John (Kylie) Meyen, Brenna Fischer, Davis (Bailey Wilson) Fischer, Brittany (Jamie) Schiesel, Tyler (Rachel) Johnson, Breana (Deven Spencer) Johnson, Sara (Charles Wisner) Johnson, Nicki (Kevin) Albino, Jacob (Morgan) Ritter, Amanda (Kenneth) Lewis, and Cory Ritter; and 13 great-grandchildren Mason, Kenadie and Kaia Meyen, Amari Johnson, Rylan Schiesel, Cole Johnson, Dezmond Blunt, Kai Spencer, Addy and Kimber Ritter, Jordyn, William and Riley Lewis; brothers Everett (Lodema) Randall and Wayne (Sharon) Randall; and many nephews/nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Eileen Apo and Helen Coleman; infant brother Cletus; in-laws Francis (Mona) and Jerry Schueller.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 28, 2021, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley, MN, at 10 a.m. with visitation starting at 9 a.m. Father John Paul Knopik will be officiating. Music will be provided by our dear friends the Jung family and Todd Johnson. Pallbearers are Rodney Randall and Deann Randall. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Browns Valley, MN. Funeral service will be live streamed on Eggers Funeral Home Facebook page.

Family wishes memorial donations in his honor be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org or the Citizens for Big Stone Lake at PO Box 121, Ortonville, MN 56278.