Randy Lee McMillin was born May 21, 1961, to Harold and Marie (Carlson) McMillin, Elkader, Iowa. Randy died on October 13, 2024, due to a UTV accident.
Randy graduated from Central Community School in May of 1979. During high school, he was a member of the football team, actively participated in FFA, and played the trombone in the band. After graduation, he worked at Rhomberg’s IH Implement while also continuing to farm with his parents on the family farm, which he had moved to at the age of five.
On August 19, 1989, he married his soulmate, Mary Ann Johnson, at St. Paul’s Church in Garnavillo, Iowa. Randy enjoyed traveling, especially with his sister and brother-in-law, Jan and John. One of his favorites was a trip to Ireland. This year, they celebrated 35 years of marriage with a hunting safari in South Africa, arranged and accompanied by his nephew, Jeff, and his wife, Cindy.
Randy and Mary Ann were equal and supportive partners in their farming venture. Randy milked 60 cows and continued tilling the soil until his death. During his years as a farmer, he participated in the Farm Aid program. He was also selected to host a team of visitors from Russia who wanted to learn more about American agricultural practices. After they sold the dairy cows in 2009, Randy worked at Grinnell Mutual for a few years.
Randy was well-known for his hearty laughter, common sense, and humor. He was respected and cherished by everyone fortunate enough to know him. It was clear to all that he was wiser than his years. He learned the value of hard work and the importance of caring for the land from his dad, who remained by his side until he passed away in 2010.
Randy deeply loved his family and friends. He and Mary Ann considered their “kids” to be their eight nieces and nephews, who were close in age to them. He enjoyed teasing them and playing practical jokes, but he also played an important role in teaching them a strong work ethic during the summers they spent at the farm.
A cherished and unforgettable tradition was the Family Rebellions held on the farm. These events were always exceptional and memorable. One of the favorites was the family bonfire, where Randy took the lead, bringing fire starters and plenty of wood!
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; his sisters, Yvonne Miller of Iowa Falls and Janis (John) Casserly of Wentzville, Missouri; and his sister-in-law, Linda McMillin of Guttenberg, Iowa. Nieces and nephews include Troy (Lori) Miller, Rodney (DeeDee) Miller, Jim (Amy) Casserly, Jeff (Cindy) Casserly, Julie (Aaron) Iverson, Joe (Kathryn) Casserly, Denise (Kyle) Shaffer, and Tim (Seth) McMillin. Additionally, he had great nieces and nephews whom he loved to mentor: Jessie, Brendan, Tara, Zach (Alex), Nate (Faith), Kayla, Jack, and Reed.
Many step-nieces and nephews cousins and close friends also survive him.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Susan (Shawn) Langan, and brothers-in-law, Terry (Wanda) Johnson, Jeff Johnson, and Mike (Gretchen) Johnson. Nephews Sam (Carlyn), Isaac (Raquel), Michael, Tyler, Adam, niece Maddy, and great-nephew Julian.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Harold Jr. and Kevin; his nephew, Bradley; his brother-in-law, Larry Miller, and his former sister-in-law, Eunice McMillin.
Services are pending at this time.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.