Randy Vangrud

Randy Ray Vangrud, 65 of Fergus Falls, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024 under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice and surrounded by his loved ones.

Randy, aka Bob Randall, was born on May 2, 1959 in a St. Cloud hospital on the bank of the Mississippi River to Robert & Dorothy Vangrud. He was welcomed home by his older sister, Debra.

Baptized in the Lutheran Faith in St Cloud, Randy moved to Moorhead, MN with his family and attended Sunday School, was confirmed, and attended Luther League at Christ the King Lutheran Church. He participated in band, choir, theater, as well as water and downhill skiing, hockey, and football. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1977. The "radio bug" captured Randy's heart and after his first year at Moorhead State University, he transferred to Brown Institute in the Twin Cities.

Randy's career was varied & interesting working at KVOX and KQWB in Fargo-Moorhead. In October 1980 he wed Barbara Ann Harvego at Breckenridge Lutheran Church. The couple welcomed two children, Jace Robert and Kristen Ann. The family lived in Minot and Bismarck before settling in Fergus Falls in 1987. Randy was general manager at Lakes Radio, general manager at Viking Coca Cola, account representative for Leighton Broadcasting, account representative for KVLY & KXJB television, and an advertising representative for Leighton Enterprises.

Known for his booming voice, Randy used his talents to participate in church services. Randy and his wife were honored to be the voices of the FF Figure Skating Club Ice Shows, and Randy greeted fans with great tunes as you cheered on the Otters at the ice arena. His larger-than-life persona garnered him many friends and led to volunteering with worthwhile service groups serving as president of the FF Hockey Association, president of the FF Chamber of Commerce during the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, and being an active member of Sertoma being named "Sertoman of the Year."

Being an avid sportsman, it was always a great day for fishing in the summer or snowmobiling after a fresh snow. Joining with friends in Cass Lake, it was fishing, friends, and dogs at Fish Camp. Randy's dog Cocoa attended every fish camp with her best friend. A high point was Randy taking top prize and award in the Bob "Bubba" Blue Annual Fishing Tournament.

Randy is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Barbara; his son, Jace and his twin children Echo and Zane of LeSueur; his daughter Kristen (Jon) Anderson, Gabby and Lincoln Jon of Fergus Falls; his sister, Debra (Doug) Thingstad, Jamestown; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend, Jim Stock, who shared many adventures with him. His loyal companion Cocoa will be entrusted to Barbara to love and spoil.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy; maternal grandparents Phyllis and Ray Cooper; paternal grandparents Minnie and Melvin Vangrud; his uncles Rod Cooper, Lon Miller, and Russ Sorensen; and aunts Shirley Cooper, Gloria Miller, and Lois Sorensen.

Please click on this link the day of the service for a livestream.   

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa01-F1dI7gKmtccvVucMXA/liveA

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 2pm at First Lutheran Church, 402 S Court St, Fergus Falls. Visitation 2 hours prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns

Arrangements are provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com