Oldenburger, Randy

Randy Oldenburger, 50, passed from this life Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 30, at First Presbyterian Church, Marion. The family will greet friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, and one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Burial: Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Michelle; his daughter, Nicole Oldenburger of Marion; two sons, Deric Mickens of New York and Darren Mickens of Marion; a beautiful granddaughter, Jayden Mickens, and her mother, Jenna Watson, of Minneapolis; parents, Darrel and Jeanne Oldenburger of Marion; brothers, Brian Oldenburger of Marion and Steve (Mary) Oldenburger of O'Fallon, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Suzanne (Jeff) Campbell, Cindy (Dana) McConnell and Theresa (Justin) Rider; nieces, Megan and Kaylee Oldenburger and Emily McConnell; nephews, Seth Campbell, Dylan Rider and Shawn McConnell; and his special dog, Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, George Oldenburger; grandparents, Dick and Julia Barron; uncle, David Miller; and a cousin, John Wm. Gilson.

Randy Dean Oldenburger was born Oct. 4, 1961, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Darrel and Jeanne (Barron) Oldenburger. He was united in marriage to Michelle King on March 19, 1993. He graduated from Marion High School in 1980 and attended a Kirkwood electronics course. Randy worked for his parents' business, Darrel's TV, for 10 years, then began his 19-year career at the Iowa Department of Corrections on Nov. 29, 1993. In 1998, he became lieutenant and Master Weapons instructor for the State of Iowa and was a Chemical Munitions instructor. He loved his job, and had the greatest respect for the people he worked with, especially Warden John Fayram.

Randy and his wife were members of the Sons of Sacrifice Motorcycle Club.

Randy had a special zest for life. As he said, “There isn't much I haven't done.” He was a scuba diver, raced go-carts, mini bikes, and stock cars. He loved to fish and cruise on his Harley with his wife, Michelle, as much as they could.

Randy will be so missed by his family and large circle of friends. His dog, Fletcher, sits on the porch, looking for him to come home.

Memorial donations can be made to his family.

Please sign the online guest book for Randy at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published July 28, 2012 in The Gazette