Heinle, Randy

Randy Heinle, 54, raced across the finish line and took the checkered flag on his final lap of life on July 17, 2013. He is standing next to the no. 3 in Heaven. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 22, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where Randy's Life will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m., with words, thoughts and memories by family and friends. Randy would say keep it simple and casual, so in his memory come comfortable, dressed in NASCAR and Hawkeye attire!

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Randy was born June 15, 1959, in Bismarck, N.D.; he married Jackie Fjelstad on Feb. 14, 1987, in Iowa City. For over 35 years he worked as an automotive technician for a number of businesses in the Iowa City area. During this time he received the honor of being recognized as the Outstanding Automotive Technician of the Year for the Midwest. Randy could fix almost everything, especially the imports, as he had loyal customers who would only allow Randy to fix their car! Following these years he followed a dream of attending culinary school which he did, graduating this past May with his degree in hospitality arts culinary.

He was a member and officer of Eagles Lodge No. 695 and former member and EMT of the Hills Fire Department. Those who knew Randy knew his passion with NASCAR, especially his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. Randy and his wife, Jackie loved to travel to Michigan and to Talladega each year to follow NASCAR. Here they would renew old friendships and make new friends. Randy was the track's chef, and for many his BBQ ribs would win the checkered flag every time! He was able to enjoy two of his favorite things in life, cars and cooking for family and friends! And to round off his bucket list, he had always wanted to visit Australia, exploring the down under, and own an F-250 with a fifth wheel camper. He did both before his death with many memories to cherish by all. He liked things simple in life, but knew what was most important in his life, his family and friends!

His family includes his wife, Jackie; their two children, Rochelle and her husband, Matt Bonebrake, and Bryson Heinle; Rochelle and Matt's two children, Sloane and Sterling; Randy's daughter and son, Darla McGaffic (Jimmy) and Curtis Heinle, and their children, Justin, Joshua and Ashlynn; two sisters, Lori Hanson (Jeff) and Heidi Becker (Kimm); numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; Randy's in-laws, Wayne and Gloria Fjelstad; sisters-in-law, Dawn Kasper (Don) and Koreen Langley (Larry); and his brother-in-law, Bryon Fjelstad (Mary Jacobs).

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-law, Nicole Fjelstad.

Randy had always expressed to his family at his death please give of himself to others, as he has tried to do in life. His wish was granted through the Iowa Donor Network, and because of this many will benefit from his generous gift for the betterment of many. Randy will live on in our hearts, souls and bodies of family, friends and total strangers who are thankful to Randy and his family!

Published July 20, 2013 in The Gazette