Randy Wirt

Randy Wirt, 68 of Parker, passed away on September 20, 2024 at the Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the church with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. The service will be broadcasted at https://www.facebook.com/HofmeisterJonesFuneralHome .

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be put towards youth and livestock programs in memory of Randy.

Randall "Randy" Russell Wirt was born on January 30, 1956 in Viborg, SD to Russell and Bonnie (Chester) Wirt.  Born the day of the Sioux Empire Farm Pig Show, Randy initially disrupted his dad’s plans of exhibiting hogs that day.  However, it set the tone for what became one of Randy’s true life passions, livestock shows.

He is the oldest of 4 children, immediately he became a shadow to Russell on the farm. He attended Parker School, graduating in 1974.  Randy enjoyed his time on Parker’s High School wrestling team and was a part of Sunday school and Youth Group at the United Methodist Church.

After high school Randy went on to attend South Dakota State University.  There his active involvement on the SDSU Livestock Judging Team, AGR Fraternity and the Little International livestock exhibition (acting as manager his senior year) not only helped grow his passion for livestock industry but created lifelong connections and cherished friendships.  Randy graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science.

During his junior year at SDSU, during Little I week, he wandered through the campus cattle barn, where he met his future wife, Chris Stade. They were married on June 2, 1979 in Jackson, MN. To this union 3 children were born-Adam, Sarah, and Katie. Soon after marriage, they moved to their acreage south of town where he farmed all of his life. With his dad and family, they raised corn and soybeans along with purebred and crossbred show pigs and show lambs. From early on, he had a fondness of the Hampshire hog breed. Randy dedicated himself to raising livestock and took so much pride in the annual Wirt Pig and Sheep Sale every spring.

He was profoundly dedicated to the show industry.  His favorite vacation was a hog show and he was usually found leaning along the show ring – evaluating, encouraging and helping his children, customers and friends.  These are people who became like a family to him.

Randy mentored many 4-H and FFA exhibitors and always took time to visit with his fellow pig and sheep showman and producers.  He loved to watch his kids and grandchildren participate at fairs, livestock shows and school events, and loved Parker Pheasant wrestling.

Randy worked hard and was always thankful to be in the farming and livestock community. He usually had his pliers on his hip and was ready to take on all of farming’s challenges. Many miles were spent driving in his pickup across the country for livestock and many small drives were made to check on crops with his furry sidekicks Duke and Rip. He served on several show committees and was active in multiple breed associations. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he helped with various activities. We will miss his infectious smile, laugh and the quiet way he loved. We hope every time you hear an AC/DC tune it reminds you of Randy.

Randy is survived by his wife of 45 years Chris; children Adam (Melissa), Sarah (Travis) Baloun, and Katie (Jon) Fish; grandchildren Jovie and Emmerson Wirt and Braelyn and Brysen Baloun; his mother Bonnie Wirt; Siblings Gayli (Dennis) Heiman, Andy Wirt and Robin (Gary) Stoebner; the dogs Duke and Rip and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Russel Wirt.