DROECHER, Randy Fay 1948-2016

DROESCHER, BEEMER, CARSTENS

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 3/11/2016 at 21:52:32

Randy Droescher

November 30, 1948 - March 3, 2016

Place of Death: Larchwood, Iowa

Biography--

Larchwood, Iowa -- Randy “The Iceman” Droescher, age 67 of Larchwood, died unexpectedly, Thursday, March 3, 2016 at his home in Larchwood.

Funeral service will be Monday, March 7th at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, Iowa, with Rev. Kelly Volk, officiating. Burial will follow in the Larchwood Cemetery at Larchwood.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 6th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present at United Church of Christ in Larchwood. There will be a time of sharing memories of Randy at 6:00 PM, feel free to share your stories.

Randy Fay Droescher was born November 30, 1948 in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Delbert and Mary Ann (Beemer) Droescher. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hadar, Nebraska. He attended Parochial school at Immanuel through the 8th grade and graduated from Pierce High School in 1967. He then went on to a Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska, for auto mechanics. He was drafted into the US Army March 18, 1969 and was honorably discharged March 17, 1971. He received the highest rank in his division as SP 5 senior mechanic. After being discharged, he moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, and went to work for Plainview International in Plainview, Nebraska.

On September 9, 1972, Randy married Dianne Carstens at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pierce, Nebraska. After their marriage they continued to live in Norfolk, Nebraska. In 1973, Randy started working for Uhlrich Construction and then went on to work at Case Power Equipment as a tractor mechanic for the area tractor pullers.

At the age of fifteen, Randy started auto racing at local area tracks. Racing was in his blood and he and his wife Dianne continued with the racing circuit after their marriage. He raced in the super modified division and later graduated to sprint car racing. To many of his fellow racers and fans Randy was known as, “The Iceman” and his soul mate Dianne was known as “Momma D”. He raced over 47 years in five different states and was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame at Huset’s Speedway in 2013. Prior to this he claimed the track Championships at Hartford Speedway in 1990 and Lake County Speedway in 2007, and also had many top five finishes. Racing was a big part of his life, and because he had such a close knit family, it became a big part of their lives as well.

Randy and Dianne were blessed with two daughters and their spouses, Misty (Mike) Burgers and Bobbie (Tadd) Kerkvliet that were involved in their racing ventures. “Daddy’s little helpers”, he called them. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Kortni, Taylor and Kyler. He spent many hours with them teaching them many different things. He always said, “They make you smile and laugh”.

Throughout his life he owned two businesses, Droescher Repair in Hadar, Nebraska. for 13 years and Designing Performance and Auto Repair in Larchwood, from 1996 to present time along with working at other establishments. Presently he was working for Richarz Repair in Larchwood. He was proud of his military service and was a member of the Flesner American Legion Post #561 of Larchwood. Randy had lived his life to the fullest to the very end and he has touched many hearts. He will be truly missed by many.

Randy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dianne of Larchwood; daughters, Misty (Mike) Burgers of Inwood, Iowa and Bobbie (Tadd) Kerkvliet of Larchwood; grandchildren, Kortni Burgers, Taylor and Kyler Kerkvliet; brothers, Keith (Vickie) Droescher and Craig (Roxanne) Droescher all of Norfolk, Nebraska; in-laws, Larry (Doris) Carstens of Pierce, Nebraska, James (Nancy) Bessmer of Osmond, Nebraska, Peg Carstens of Randolph, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Delbert and Mary Ann Droescher; brother, Larry Droescher; parents-in-law, Gerhardt and Iralane Carstens; and brother-in-law, Gary Carstens.

Source: Jurrens Funeral Home website