Randall "Randy" Ray Dempsey, 66, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, went to be with Jesus his Savior on Monday, July 3rd, 2017.

Randy was born on July 7, 1950 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Raymond and Kathryn (Akin) Dempsey. He graduated from Lincoln High School of Thief River Falls in 1968 and married Beverlee Lindberg in 1969, followed by the arrival of two daughters, Charity and Krischelle. Randy and Bev later divorced.

Randy married Cynthia Kutzer in 1976 and had one son, Terry M. Dempsey. They later divorced.

Randy was talented working with his hands and naturally skilled working with most anything mechanical. He was employed by Soo Line Railroad during his younger years and later moved to the Twin Cities, where he became known for his great skill as a Master Carpenter. He always loved working and built a reputation for his excellent work ethic and quality craftsmanship.

Randy had a unique sense of humor and razor-sharp wit, loved to tell a good joke, and was known for his unforgettable laugh. He was just plain fun to be around, a well-liked guy who cared deeply about his family and friends. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, golfing, working on cars, and anything to do with the Minnesota Vikings. He loved history, had a penchant for writing, and was an avid reader, especially of science fiction and military history. He also enjoyed cooking and baking and loved sharing his gourmet cheesecakes with others.

Randy is survived by two daughters, Charity Dempsey Koenig (Rich) and Krischelle Dempsey Sides (Mark), and one son, Terry M. Dempsey, of Reno, Nevada. He loved being a grandpa and is survived by nine grandchildren: Charity's children Caedron, Mallorey, Liam, Evangeline, and Macauley Koenig; and Krischelle's children Adrian "AJ" Anderson, Abbi Dempsey, and Jacob and Julia Sides.

Randy is also survived by his mother, Kathryn Nelson of Thief River Falls, along with his brother Terry Dempsey and sister Jeanette (Jeff) Eckstein, all of Thief River Falls and nieces Vanessa DeHaan of New York City and Marissa DeHaan of Fargo, North Dakota; sister Karin (Steven) Rost and nephew Slater, of Savannah, Georgia; as well as special friends Nancy Barry and her daughter, Stephanie.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Dempsey, and paternal grandmother, Florence Massengill, both of Rome, Georgia; as well as his stepfather, Henry Nelson, and maternal grandparents, Earl and Katie Akin, all of Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Randy is deeply missed and will never be forgotten by his loving family and friends, who look forward to seeing him again in heaven one day. Those wishing to sign Randy's guestbook may do so at www.legacy.com .

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com