Randy David Fahlin

Randall David Fahlin passed away suddenly at his home on the Fahlin Farm on September 21st, 2024. He was 68 years young.

Randy was born in New Port News, Virginia, at the Fort Eustis Army base on August 25th, 1956, to David and Eleanor (Turnquist) Fahlin. He was the middle child of two sisters, Katrina and Jolee. Randy was baptized in the Lutheran Faith and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota.

Randy moved a lot growing up, and he would tell his children several stories of his boyhood in Rochester, Paynesville, Excelsior, Sioux Falls, and especially Farwell; reminiscing about the town's garage, the school, and his home when he lived there. He graduated in 1974 from Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, SD. From there, he joined the Army. He served in Germany for 3 years, and then served 1 year in the National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge on March 16th, 1980. He attended Alexandria Technical College and then transferred to Willmar, acquiring an associate's degree in Electronics.

Randy then joined the workforce, holding various jobs doing what he loved -- engineering and electronics. In 2020, after 28 years at Seagate Technology, he retired as their Senior Engineer and continued to do contractual work for them during retirement. During this time, Randy moved to the family farm. He will forever be remembered by his work colleagues, family, and friends as extremely knowledgeable and inventive. 

Randy married Carol Sanborn in 1981, and they lived in Farmington, MN. They were married for 9 years and had 4 children: Sarah, Molly, Dave, and Debby. Between them, there are 13 grandchildren, who lovingly call him "Papa Randy." They each have fond memories of an active grandpa, going on dirt bike rides, tractor rides, rebuilding dirt bikes, and giving his classic underdogs on the swing down at the lake, complete with all of the theatrics.

He met Cheri through work and they had been together since 2004. They enjoyed taking trips and cozy nights at home.

Randy took so much pride in caring for the family's land, recently clearing the thick grove at the farm and placing rocks on the lake bank. Over the years he restored two tractors with his dad, tinkered with old radios, fixed old dirt bikes, and restored his jukebox. This past summer, he built his grandson Oliver his very own tractor.

He was also very involved at Oscar Lake Church. He helped to clear their Grove, watered trees in the cemetery, and cherished attending mission trips in Mexico helping a boy's orphanage.

Randy loved 70's Rock, especially Pink Floyd. He, along with his children and friends, enjoyed going to concerts such as Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd Tribute Band, and Heart.

He was quite the Dare Devil! He loved dirt biking (especially the jumps) and riding his dune buggy with his best bud, Johnny.

Randy was passionate about preserving the history of his family, the family's farmland, and the Runestone. He was always working, always fixing, always looking for ways to help everyone in any way that he could. His legacy will live on in his children, the Fahlin Farm, the Oscar Lake Church, all the lives he touched, and any good and kind deed or favor that we all go on to do for others.

Randy is survived by Cheri; his children: Sarah Fahlin, Molly (Rollin Janssen) Fahlin, Dave (Savanna) Fahlin, and Debby (Brad) Fahlin-Olson; grandchildren, Ella, James, Allison, Jackson, and Abby; Bryce, Aaryanna, Madisyn, Alayna, and Brayden; Noah, Oliver, and Ruby; sisters: Katrina (JJ Thomsen) Fahlin, Jolee (Ron) Berneking; several nieces and nephews; many extended family and friends; and his two cats, Wally and Oscar. He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Herman and Gladys Fahlin, Oscar and Lillian Turnquist; his parents, David and Eleanor Fahlin; and his nephew, Steve. 

Memorial services for Randy will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church in Farwell, Minnesota at 11:00 AM, with a public visitation one hour prior to services. There will also be a visitation Friday, October 4, 2024 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of arrangements for Randy.