Randy Ahrendt

Randy Blayne Ahrendt passed away peacefully on November 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family while receiving care at Avera McKennan Hospital, one day after turning 72.

Funeral services will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.  Family will be present for visitation at Gloria Dei beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to his funeral.  Randy’s family invites you to join them for fellowship and food following the service.  Burial will take place in Watertown, SD on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

Randy was born on November 20, 1951, in Pierre, SD and was raised by his mother Mary Perryman (Hand) in Onida, the oldest of four children. He was a part of the last graduating class from Onida High School in 1970. He joined the Army and served as an air traffic controller in South Korea from 1972 to 1975. He was a proud SDSU Jackrabbit, graduating in 1978 with a Park Management degree followed by a memorable year working at the Hartford Beach State Park.

He then resided in Watertown working for the Park & Forestry Department until 1990. No one is surprised to know that Randy was late for an important blind date with his future bride because he was working on antiques. He married Anita (Carlson) on April 25, 1981.  Together they raised three children, Trevor, Christina and Nolan. They initially made their home in Watertown where he fostered his love for parks and recreation as well as his love for animals while managing the Bramble Park Zoo before moving to Mitchell for 20 years assuming the role of Director of Parks and Recreation. Randy was an avid arborist and deeply enjoyed sharing his love with the youth of Mitchell by giving out baby trees during Arbor Day. Upon retirement, he was awarded with a key to the City of Mitchell. He cared deeply for his community and always made sure all youth activities had equal representation. Anyone knowing Randy knew how passionate he could be about city projects and was well respected by his peers.

Randy collected nearly anything you can imagine including Lionel trains, Edgar Rice Burroughs memorabilia, coins and old fishing rods and reels. Later in life Randy found a love for wine making starting Ahrendt You Thirsty Winery and really enjoyed sharing his new hobby with friends and family. Growing up in Central South Dakota he developed a deep love for the outdoors while hunting and fishing. Some of his most fond memories were fishing with Grandpa Ben along the White River bluffs.

Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents Percy and Celeste Hand, Ben and Stella Ahrendt, Mary and Rex Perryman, niece Kelly Ahrendt and nephew Lionel Ahrendt.

Randy is survived by his loving wife Anita of 42 years, children Trevor (Lauren) of Reno, NV, Christina (Torey) of Pierre, SD, and Nolan (Misty) of Sioux Falls, SD. Grateful to call him “Grandpa” are Cadence (13), Sawyer (8), Brooks (6), Crew (4) and Bodie (2). He traveled along life with his sister Sandi Beckman (Dave), Ben (Roberta), and Percy Ahrendt. His spirit lives on in the many memories and stories we have to share of him.

In memory of Randy, direct memorials to the family to be used for scholarships to help low income families with outdoor safety hunting courses and wildlife opportunities or St. Francis House