Randy Perkins

Randy Keith Perkins, 73, of Nisswa, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in St. Cloud, MN, after a two-month, heartbreaking battle with Advanced Lymphoma (brain cancer).  He was surrounded by his family and multitude of friends throughout his fight.

Randy was born February 3, 1946, in Owatonna, the son of Marvin and Marian Perkins.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith.  He attended school in Blooming Prairie and graduated from Dodge Center High School before continuing his education at the University of Minnesota.

In 1965, he enlisted in the US Navy.  He was proud of his service and enjoyed being part of the Helicopter Training Squandran.  His competent leadership, superior technical skills, and outstanding airmanship awarded him the Naval Aviation Safety Plaque.  During his years of service, he married Marlene Sammon on October 22, 1966 and the couple made their first home in Pensacola, FL where he was stationed.  In 1968, they transferred Randy to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Naval Base where he completed his last year of service.

In 1969 he began his 30 plus year career with John Deere.  While he worked in the Bloomington store, Randy and Marlene made their home in Richfield.  In 1973, John Deere relocated Randy to the Brainerd Lakes Area where he served as Territory Manager for Northern Minnesota, the Dakotas, and a small portion of Wisconsin.  He retired in 2001 and enjoyed living the good life in Nisswa, MN.

He was active in his community and was a member of the Nisswa Jaycees, Nisswa Lions, AAD Shriners and the American Legion in Nisswa, where he held a number of offices and was Commander for several years.  He was also very connected to his church community at Lutheran Church of the Cross.  He served on their endowment committee and helped to organize their Rummage Sales every spring and fall.

Randy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well as a loyal friend and mentor to all whom came in contact with him.  He will always be remembered for his love, kindness, generosity, and guidance.  Though he was very successful throughout his life, he never forgot his humble beginnings and treated all people as equal.  He cherished spending quality time with his children and grandchildren.  They were the loves of his life.  Randy loved to golf, hunt, fish, play cards, dance and just enjoy the day with family at the lake.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Marlene; daughter, Heidi Rogge; son, Chad (Melissa) Perkins; grandchildren, Hannah Rogge, Greta Rogge, and Grayson Perkins; sisters, Mary Jo Ditleveson, Dorrie (Pat) Horan, Debbie Dahl, Becky Madsen, and Sarah (Mike) Heise; brother, Terry Perkins; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; step-father; nephew; sister-in-law; and brother-in-law.

A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 3, 2019.  Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service and to stay for a luncheon to follow.  Interment will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 5, 2019.

Randy’s family would like to encourage to share a story you have of Randy with them.  Whether you write that story on a card, share it online – all your memories will make Randy’s family smile and they would be grateful for your participation.