Randall J. "Randy" Killian

Randy was born in Minneapolis on March 22nd, 1951 to Mary and Joe Killian. He graduated from De LaSalle High School in 1969. Randy, also known as "Hardware Randy," started working in the family hardware store at the age of eight. He was a hard worker, often working 70-80 hour weeks after he bought the hardware store from his dad in 1976. Besides valuing hard work, Randy also valued "lake life." He grew up spending summers on Big Birch Lake, getting into lots of trouble with his siblings, many cousins, and friends there. When he was just 19, he bought his own land on Little Birch Lake, building it up over the next 46 years into the dream oasis of his retirement. He loved nothing more than sitting on the deck with his wife, friends, and family, enjoying a drink while looking at the lake. Gayle and Randy met on January 3rd, 1992 at Tony Jaros River Garden Bar in Nordeast Minneapolis. Gayle stole his barstool to get close to the bar to order a drink when he went to the bathroom. When Randy came back, he said, "You stole my seat! What are you drinking? I'll buy." After having her first Greenie (the signature drink at Tony's) and spending a couple of hours with this great guy, Gayle was smitten and so was Randy. They were married at the lake on August 31st, 1997. Randy and Gayle traveled extensively, including 3 trips to Europe. Randy would say, "Moltz, you plan it and I'll pay for it!" He loved seeing new places and meeting new people, always making lasting connections with others. Randy and Gayle moved to Little Birch Lake in 2002, where Randy promptly established himself as a memorable member of the community. He worked part time at Roseview Manor for 12 years and was a valued member of Melrose Lion's Club. Randy loved to garden, cook, entertain, golf, and just hang out with friends and family. His dry sense of humor and one liner's will be missed by his happy hour crew and by his Sunday afternoon buddies. Although often displaying a rough exterior, Randy was overly generous and kind hearted. Those words, "What are you drinking? I'll buy!," were often heard coming out of his mouth. He would do just about anything for a friend or family member in need. Randy is survived by his loving wife, Gayle, step-mom Delores, little sisters Jane (Dan) Schmidt and Nancy Killian, sister-in-law Elaine (Dale) Erickson, brother-in-law Brian Moltz, nieces (Mary and Corrie), nephews (Paul, Grant, Jesse and Mike), niece in-laws (Laurie and Susan), grandnephews (Isaiah, Henry, Hamdi and Yohannes), and countless friends. We know he is now hanging out in heaven, keeping an eye on all of us, reunited with his parents Joe and Mary, brother Mark, brother-in-law Al, father and mother in-law Chuck and Helen, niece Juliette, nephew Gabe, best friends Larry, Don, and Dean, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rest in peace, dear man. You will be sorely missed and always lovingly remembered. Family and Friends will gather Friday, November 11th, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at ElmerZ 1225 Timberlane Drive, Sauk Centre, MN to celebrate his life, share a meal and drink a toast to a wonderful man. Please come prepared to share your favorite Randy story – we know there are many! In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.