Beernink, Randall "Randy" Jay 1957-2019

BEERNINK, VANDERMATEN, DEVRIES

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Randall Jay Beernink was born in Sioux Center, Iowa, on May 2, 1957, to Hermina (VanderMaten) and Eugene Beernink. He left this life unexpectedly on May 3, 2019 in Orange City, Iowa.

He graduated high school from Sioux Center in 1975. Randy attended Northwestern College in Orange City and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Randy also attended the University of Iowa where he earned an additional bachelor’s degree in computer science. He played basketball during high school and throughout his college career at Northwestern.

For 36 years, he shared his expertise at the Iowa Lakes Community College Computer Center eventually becoming the Director. He was awarded the Administrator of the Year award 4 times since 1999. Known for his dry, witty sense of humor, Randy was referred to at work as the "computer god". To quote a former co-worker, “He was the nicest guy no matter how many times I forgot my password”.

On October 22, 1988, Randy married his best friend and love, Kathleen Jean DeVries. Randy and Kathy settled in Estherville, Iowa where they built a home and raised their five children. Randy’s grandchildren were the light of his life, and "Papa" was their "best friend". Family and his faith meant everything to Randy. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Estherville where he sang in the choir. Randy and Kathy also enjoyed working in their yard, biking, and their Friday date nights. Randy was a devout New York Yankee’s fan. In 2006 Randy and Kathy traveled to New York to see them play at the original Yankee Stadium.

Randy’s life will continue to be celebrated by his wife Kathy; his 5 children and 9 grandchildren , Jessica Payton and her children Shelby and Aaron; Marshall Payton and his children Ezra and Kade; Alyssa Payton (Joe Boeke) and her children Calah, Colin and Cason, Hannah Ward (Andrew) and their children Degan and Emma, Nicholas Beernink (Mara Irmiter); parents Hermina and Eugene Beernink; brother Greg Beernink (Connie) and their children. Randy will also continue to be fondly remembered by his extended family and many friends.

Randy is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Source: Henry Olson Funeral Home online obituary.