Randall Rakauskas

Randall S. Rakauskas, age 59, of Brainerd, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, August 15, 2017.

Randy was born in Minneapolis in 1958 to Stephen and Margaret (Puetz) Rakauskas. The family moved to Brainerd in 1961, where Randy attended school. He also completed the machining program at Staples Technical College, which was followed by his working as a machinist for many years at DeZurik in Sartell.

Randy eventually returned to rural Brainerd to be with his mother and help her with maintaining the family homestead after the sudden death of his father in 1983. Margaret shared her vast knowledge of gardening with Randy and together they created a cottage industry of starting plants from seeds each spring to sell in their small greenhouse, followed by selling ripe produce in the fall. Randy became an outstanding gardener in his own right, continuing the small business alone after his mother’s death in 2011. Due to his long hours of dedication, the property remains a flower and vegetable haven. Randy enjoyed doing anything outdoors, chopping wood and fishing, as well as playing cards with Margaret and sharing time with friends.

Randy is survived by his sister, Bev (Dan) Anderson and brother, Brad (Cindy) Rakauskas, all of rural Brainerd. His nephews and niece were also important to him, including, Jaci (Lee) Vonasek and family, North Branch; Jason (Annie) Rakauskas and family, Baxter; and Tyler Anderson, of Caldwell, New Jersey.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.