David Randall
February 15, 2010
Dave Randall, 53, died Monday, February 15, 2010 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines after a brave, two-year battle with cancer. He will be most missed by his loving wife, Susie, and their daughter, Gillian. Other family members, friends and coworkers will cherish memories of his decidedly giving nature, sense of humor, inner strength, faith and caring without judgment. He will always be known as “Daddy Dave” by his daughter’s many friends.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Capitol Hill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 3322 E. 25th Street, Des Moines.
Dave was born November 15, 1956 in Des Moines to Mary and Harold Randall. He graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School, Grand View College and Drake University with a degree in Mass Communications. He was a journalist to his core, starting work part-time at the Des Moines Register at age 16 and moving to full-time positions following college graduation. He worked for several years at the San Antonio (Texas) Light and later returned to work at The Register in the sports and news departments until shortly before his death. Dave was an Elder at Capitol Hill Christian Church where he served as president, then vice president of the Elders Committee.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Dave is survived by a brother, Stephen (Euny) Randall of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; two sisters, Anne (Dick) Clement and Helen (Harlan) Randall Lemon of Des Moines; mother-in-law Roberta Nichols of Greenwood, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Foy C. Nichols, nephew Zach Lemon and niece, Miranda Samo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Capitol Ice Academy.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Preshia Paulding
02/19/2010
So grateful for the love he gave, the love he shared, and for the love that lives on in you.
My love and prayers to you Susie and Gillian...He married and incredible woman and helped bring another into the world. We are all blessed because of it.
With love,
Preshia
Norm & Janet Gustafson
02/17/2010
Susie & Jillen,
Sorry to here about the lost of your husband and father. We will always have fond memories of our neighbor on Tomlin Lane.
Sincerely,
Norm & Janet Gustafson
Mary Ann & Sierra
02/17/2010
You are in our prayers. He will always be watching you glide across the ice
with his proud father smile like in New Ulm this last November.
Love you both,
Mary Ann & Sierra
Steve Hickle
02/17/2010
I only met Dave a year ago when I cast Susie in a comedy I was directing. He was at the theater most of the time to help out, so we often got to chat. I found Dave to be a funny, kind, gentle, man and I really enjoyed his presence. He was so proud of Susie and Gillian and really got a kick of seeing the love of his life on stage again!
I'm honored to have gotten to know Dave although the time was brief. He was a very strong, courageous man who loved his family dearly.
Susie and Gillian, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Steve Hickle
Claude Simpson
02/16/2010
Dave was a great editor and true friend. His dry sense of humor and quick wit brought sanity to an insane workplace. May God bless you always, Susie & Gillian.
John Whisler
02/17/2010
Dave was a terrific journalist and even better person. My wife, Peggy, and I worked with him at the San Antonio Light and always enjoyed his story-telling and sense of humor. The newsroom could be a pretty crazy place, but Dave was always steady and never took himself too seriously. He was a lot of fun to be around.
Susie, Gillian, you are in our hearts and prayers.
Darla Adair-Petroski
02/16/2010
I first met Dave at Grand View College in the 1970s. He was a quiet guy, very calm, very steady, and everyone knew they could rely on him. Years later, at The Des Moines Register, those qualities remained exactly the same. What did change about him was his personal life. He had a great love for his family. He was totally devoted to Susie and Gillian. He couldn't wait to share stories about Gillian's latest adventures and achievements. I will miss his quiet enthusiasm, his dedication and the loyalty he showed to friends and family. I feel very blessed that Dave Randall was my friend.
Jeffrey Heinke
02/16/2010
Dave and I worked together at the San Antonio Light. We both were from Iowa, and we made sure everyone around us knew it.
I was a wonderful person, a great journalist and true friend. I wish his spirit well.
The Allen Family
02/16/2010
Dearest Susie and Gillian,
My family and I send our deepest sympathy to you but also our
joy at Dave's embrace by the Lord. We know the heavens are
gonna rock with Dave leading the band!
God bless you and keep you in His care,
Anne, Dave, Matthew and Maggie Allen
Suzanne Nelson and Charlie Nettles
02/16/2010
It was a privilege to work with Dave -- an easy-going and exceptionally professional journalist. He was a family man whose face lit up when talking about his daughter. He will be remembered by many, many friends and co-workers.