Randal Criswell
August 22, 2011
Randal Scot Criswell died unexpectedly at his home in Prairie City, Iowa on Monday, August 22, 2011.
Randy was born to Kenny and Grace Thompson Criswell on September 29, 1958, in Grinnell, Iowa. On November 24, 1984, he married Becky Witte Criswell.
Randy is survived by four brothers, John (Brenda) Criswell of Urbandale, Iowa, Rod (Susie) Criswell of Malcom, Iowa, Jim (Heidi) Criswell, and Steve (Janietta) Criswell of Montezuma, Iowa; two sisters, Cheryl Criswell of Kentucky and Denise Criswell of Nevada; and a large and loving extended family including many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Above all, Randy treasured his family. He loved hosting, sharing, and exploring with them. His curiosity and joy in life were contagious. Though his work success was as the operator of a small business, he was proud of his farming heritage. Together, he and Becky nurtured their acreage in Prairie City, Iowa, which they cherished.
Randy was unconventional in his thinking, fiercely independent, optimistic, curious, and generous-hearted. He faced many health challenges and losses in his life, but did so with a joyous heart, always pursuing fully the business of living.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. The family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. Inurnment of his cremains will be held at a later date.
In Randy’s memory and honor, the family asks that any contributions or memorials be given to the Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 4th St., Des Moines, IA, 50309. Randy was a student at the Department’s Orientation Center in the early 1980s. He credited his experience there and his interaction with knowledgeable, experienced persons who were blind with giving him the confidence to pursue his career. Randy’s pioneering spirit helped blaze the trail for the interstate highway vending operation as well as other food service, downhill skiing, and welding programs for persons who are blind. Randy’s many other interests included gardening, beer making, reading, fitness training, stock investing, herbology, gadgetry, guitars, dancing and rock music.
Randy was a gentle and strong spirit who was well-loved and will be missed by many.
Online condolences may be left for the family at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dee Martin
08/31/2011
Becky, John, Brenda etc.
I was truly shocked when I arrived home at 7:43 and picked up the paper and read about Randy's sudden death. It was too late to get to Hamilton's by 8 p.m., but am still sending my prayers and best wishes and memories of first meeting you and Randy when you lived upstairs with Doris (I can still here her under the couch when I used to think any minute I was going to lose a chunk out of my ankle). Your obituary was such a loving tribute.......
Dee
Marcella Edmonds
08/29/2011
Becky,
No words can express your loss. Randy will be deeply missed. I enjoyed being this Reader's Advisor for many years. He was always cheerful.
Marcella
Pastor Monty Habben
08/25/2011
This is so easy for me to say Becky, but; Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Randy was the nicest man I ever knew in the B.E.P.. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Deena Cross
08/25/2011
Becky, You have been in my thoughts this week. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deena
Jolene
08/25/2011
Becky,
It is always hard to know what to say in times like these. I have though of you and your family all week since I heard of Randy's passing. I am so
greatful I got to have dinner with him the end of July, as we had such
a nice visit. I guess we never know when God will call us home but I know
Randy is in heaven looking down on all of us. I am sorry I couldn't be there
for the visitation but Hurricane Irene is heading to the East coast and I needed to get things taken care of for some staff deploying for catastophe duty. Jerry and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Liz & Greg Soenen
08/24/2011
What a beautiful obituary. Am thinking of you often Becky and prayers for you and family members for strength enough for each day. Sincerely, Liz S
Ron & Bev Criswell
08/24/2011
Ron and I are so sorry to hear about Randy. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Ron & Bev Criswell
805 Windus Ave
West Liberty, IA 52776
Pauline Criswell
08/24/2011
My sympathy to you and your family at this time of great loss. You'll be in my prayers.
Angie Nemmers
08/24/2011
Becky, I was stunned to see your handsome husband in the newspaper this morning. Your tribute to him was absolutely, all-encompising of his life and love for Iowa and his family. "Viva la Iowa!" This will be my ninth funeral since coming back from Missouri in late March, yet, I am in Story County right now. If I am able to be there with you, I shall try my best. If not, please know you and your loved ones will be in my rosary through your time of loss. I have made my own tradition of singing a song by The Eagles, called "Seven Bridges Road" for my friends who leave this life so young. So when I look to the stars tonight, I will sing for Randy.
God Bless
Angie
Laurie Merryman
08/24/2011
Becky and family-
Words cannot express how truly sorry I am for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Jana West
08/24/2011
So sorry Becky... If there is anything we can do for you I hope you will ask. Our thoughts and prayers for you and family. Randy was a fun and interesting guy - he sure did like the music and guitars!!
Sharon Vail
08/24/2011
Becky, my prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May God's love surround you and give you peace.
Pattie Rubino
08/24/2011
I will always remember Becky and Randy doing their Country Two-Step routine at the Des Moines Ballroom Dance Studio..it was very special...
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Becky and your family..