Randy Kezar, 69, died suddenly on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN following his grandson, Oliver Randolph Kezars baptism.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN with Rev. Curtis Matz officiating. Burial will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, July 16, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church.

Randolph Milton Kezar was born on July 19, 1940 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Milton and Frances (Anderson) Kezar. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN. Randy attended school in Middle River and graduated from Middle River High School in 1958. He enjoyed playing sports in high school and excelled in football, basketball and baseball.

Following high school Randy married his high school sweetheart, Renie Avron at Our Saviors Lutheran Church at Thief Lake. To this union four children were born, Rhonda, Jeffrey, Carrie Ann and Jana. They made their home in Middle River where Randy worked at Midland Co-op until the early 1970s. He then went to work as a carpenter in Grand Forks, Crookston and Thief River Falls. Together, Randy and Jim Sorter built many homes until the early 1980s.

In the mid-1980s Randy followed in his fathers footsteps and went to work for the Middle River School as a boiler operator, custodian and drove school bus. A position opened at Northland College in Thief River Falls in 1989 and Randy went to work as a custodian/boiler operator. He and Renie moved to Thief River Falls in 1992 where they have since resided. Randy retired in May 2010 as chief boiler operator.

While Randy was working full time, he also farmed in Moose River Township.

Randy enjoyed flying his Aeroncia Champ airplane, golfing, gardening, hunting with his family and friends, spending time at the farm, watching westerns and boxing, listening to Saturday Morning Barn Dance and the weather and news. His love of music also involved playing piano, guitar, and dancing polka with Renie. Randy especially enjoyed spending time with his best friend and brother, Roger. He loved spending time with his family and he adored his grandkids, taking a special interest in their lives. Randy was a patient, quiet man who had many talents which he passed along to his family, friends and co-workers. He was also grandpa to many of the kids at Renies daycare.

Randy was a life-long member of First Lutheran Church in Middle River.

Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Renie of Thief River Falls; 3 children, Rhonda (Joel) Olson of Newfolden, MN, Jeff (fianc, Beth Sheehan) Kezar of Thief River Falls and Jana (Matt) Martin of Moorhead, MN; 4 grandchildren, Carissa Olson, Jerica Olson, Piper Kezar and Oliver Kezar; sisters-in-law, Harriet Kezar of Thief River Falls, Betty Zolondek of Minto, ND, Susan Brown of Strathcona; brothers-in-law, Gordon (Judy) Avron of Contoocook, NH and James Avron of Middle River, MN; grand-dog, Reidar his constant, faithful companion; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carrie Ann; brother, Roger; and mother and father-in-law, Odin and Martha Avron.