1925
John
2015
John Randt
August 2, 1925 — June 7, 2015
John Swaneus Randt died on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the age of 90. John the son of Eilert and Ann Randt was born in Bunderhammrich, Germany on August 2, 1925. At the age of two, he and his family moved to the United States. He and his twelve siblings grew up farming in central Minnesota.
John served his country during World War II in the United States Army as a rifleman. During his tour he was stationed in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. John was Honorably Discharged in 1945. After serving his country he returned home and it was at a dance in Granite Falls, that John met Mabel Barnes and they were married on October 18, 1947. To this union five children were born. When John was not busy farming and raising his family, he enjoyed vegetable gardening, deer hunting and splitting wood. He truly was a jack of all trades. He could rebuild boat motors, build houses and just fix anything. John also enjoyed fishing. He shared this hobby with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. From John, they all learned the art of filleting a fish so that there were no bones.
Over the years John and Mabel farmed different farm land all over central Minnesota until they found their farm near Benson. It was their pride and joy. They worked this farm until 1982 when they moved to East Battle Lake. Here they enjoyed retirement and fishing.
John’s children remember him as a “teaser”, and someone who built things for them. He liked to bounce his girls on his knees, yodel to his children and sing “You Are My Sunshine” to them. John was always helpful and always willing to help his neighbors care for their homes.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mabel, one grandson, and several brothers. He is survived by his children, Terry Randt (Deb), Linda Schulze (Bob), Debra Harleman (Jack), Susan Hilleren (Dell), Sally Willenbring (Tim); nineteen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren; brothers, George Randt (Alice), Dale Randt (Margaret), Lee Randt (Elaine), Jimmy Randt (Virginia); Sisters in law, Ruth Randt and Joyce Randt.
John served his country during World War II in the United States Army as a rifleman. During his tour he was stationed in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. John was Honorably Discharged in 1945. After serving his country he returned home and it was at a dance in Granite Falls, that John met Mabel Barnes and they were married on October 18, 1947. To this union five children were born. When John was not busy farming and raising his family, he enjoyed vegetable gardening, deer hunting and splitting wood. He truly was a jack of all trades. He could rebuild boat motors, build houses and just fix anything. John also enjoyed fishing. He shared this hobby with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. From John, they all learned the art of filleting a fish so that there were no bones.
Over the years John and Mabel farmed different farm land all over central Minnesota until they found their farm near Benson. It was their pride and joy. They worked this farm until 1982 when they moved to East Battle Lake. Here they enjoyed retirement and fishing.
John’s children remember him as a “teaser”, and someone who built things for them. He liked to bounce his girls on his knees, yodel to his children and sing “You Are My Sunshine” to them. John was always helpful and always willing to help his neighbors care for their homes.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mabel, one grandson, and several brothers. He is survived by his children, Terry Randt (Deb), Linda Schulze (Bob), Debra Harleman (Jack), Susan Hilleren (Dell), Sally Willenbring (Tim); nineteen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren; brothers, George Randt (Alice), Dale Randt (Margaret), Lee Randt (Elaine), Jimmy Randt (Virginia); Sisters in law, Ruth Randt and Joyce Randt.
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