Randall Duke Pauling

Randall Duke Pauling passed away on June 19, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1940 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Walter and Mabel (Bottolfson) Pauling.

Randy graduated from Northwestern Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis and was ordained in 1968 at Gustavis Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. He received his Masters Degree at Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1969 and his Doctorate PhD from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1973.

He served in the United States Navy as a Chaplain from 1968 to 1992. He was also the Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines from 1973 to 1983. Randy proudly shared his knowledge with others, teaching at Grand View University from 1984 until March, 2024 when he taught his last online class. Randy served in human resources with the Federal Home Loan Bank, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Des Moines Public Schools. He also served as head of human resources at the United Way of Central Iowa.

One of Randy’s favorite pastimes was coaching his daughter’s softball teams and he expanded that love for the game to umpiring as well. Above all else, Randy treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was so very grateful to be a 22-year pancreatic cancer survivor which gifted him countless memories made with those he loved.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ginny Pauling; daughter, Kiersten (Jeff) Hathaway; grandchildren, Tyson and Calla; brother, Chandler Pauling; niece, Carin (Ren) Malmer; nephew, David (Suk) Pauling and his beloved grand-cat, Ryo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Midge Pauling.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service at the church. Private burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Church of Hope in loving memory of Randy. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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Annette Hitchcock/Mike Glaza

06/27/2024

Our sincerest condolences, Ginny and family, on the loss of Randy. We only saw the email from Hope late yesterday or I assure you we would have been present for the funeral to share our love with all of you. Our heartfelt thoughts say in the midst of the sorrow know that Randy is walking with the Lord this day. So take heart in the stories and memories shared, in the laughter and tears and all the hugs as it is all in love. This is a celebration of a life well lived and an amazing man well loved. We are thanking God for Randy’s life and the fact that we got to know you both as we shared services at Hope. With caring thoughts and prayers in deepest sympathy we know you will find comfort in His promise of everlasting life. Please connect with us when you have an opportunity. We are sending a card to the address we hope is current for you on Park Avenue. Take care of you and know your Hope family including the two of us are here for you if you need anything anytime. Hugs for you Ginny.

Laurie Say

06/23/2024

I am honored to have been one of Randy's colleagues at Grand View University and one of his adult students for three different religion classes. His impact on my theological journey has been life-changing and has provided me with continued intellectual and spiritual nourishment ever since I first met him perhaps 22 years ago. I still refer to my notes from his classes when I'm checking my Biblical timelines! My deepest condolences to his family and those who knew him; I still chuckle at his wonderful sense of humor. I am so grateful I knew him!

Laurie Say