Randall Warren "Randy RB" Barrett

Randall (Randy) (RB) Warren Barrett 12/17/1952 - 09/30/2025

Randall Warren Barrett was born on December 17, 1952, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Jacqueline (Lunstra) and Raymond Barrett. Randy, or "RB" as many knew him, was the second of five children and the only son. The family lived on a farm near Beaver Creek, MN, until 1958, when they acquired a farm in Lime Lake Township. Randy attended school in Slayton, MN, and graduated from Slayton High School in 1970.

Randy met Dawn Dysthe at the Valhalla Dance Hall through mutual friends, Kraut and Uppie. He pursued her and officially asked her on a date at the Chandler Cafe. They were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake Wilson, MN, on October 26, 1974. Randy and Dawn made their home in Avoca, MN, where they welcomed son, Reed, in 1975 and daughter, Natalie, in 1977. They remained there until purchasing their farm near Avoca in 1982, where they welcomed daughter, Jaclyn, two years later. After nearly 45 years in that home filled with thousands of special memories, they moved to their final home on the main farm in the fall of 2020.

Randy began farming with his father at a young age, raising hogs, cattle, and grain. In 1993, he downsized to a grain-only operation, which he continued to manage actively until the day he passed.

Throughout his life, Randy was very active. He played in summer softball leagues, winter volleyball leagues, and participated in broom ball. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and trips to Sturgis with F-Troop and had many passions, all of which involved the outdoors. A lifelong avid hunter, Randy hunted any and all critters. Coyotes did not stand a chance. He spent countless hours scouting coyotes and snowshoeing across sections in pursuit of his prey. His trips out west to the Slim Buttes with his buddies were always a highlight, and whether successful or not, he always returned with great stories to tell. In later years, he spent most of his time at The Pit, a 240-acre haven for wildlife and a gathering place for family and friends. He soon earned the title of Park Ranger while he, often alongside son-in-law Cody Gerber and longtime friend Jim Gerber, planted trees, fed wildlife, maintained the habitat, and worked on numerous projects to improve the land. It was also his place of rest and relaxation as he enjoyed gatherings with family and friends that often-included horseshoes, bean bags, shooting sporting clays, bonfires and cookouts, and savoring an ice cold Old Mil. When he was not at The Pit, he could often be spotted traveling a gravel road with his best four-legged buddy by his side, checking crops and spotting critters, usually in a vehicle seemingly smaller than himself.

Randy's greatest pride in life was his family, especially his grandchildren, with whom he shared a very special bond. It was often said that Randy revealed his softer side when he became a grandfather. He and his family frequently reminisced about combine rides, working alongside him on the farm, and his classic one-liners. Reflecting on those moments always brought him and them so much joy. His wit and infectious smile and laugh were known by all who met him and gained him many friends. Randy ended every phone call or visit with a "later gator" and

never forgot to remind them to "watch for deer" when they left. His absence will leave a lasting void in the lives of those who loved him.

Randy passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Dawn; his children, Reed (Denyse) Barrett, Natalie (Cody) Gerber, and Jaclyn Barrett and special friend James Larson; his grandchildren, Daylen (Nathan) Hendel, Laney Brown, Dawson Brown, Abriel (Bryland) Menicucci, Gage Gerber, Rayna and Addyson Barrett, and Miley, Ashtyn, and Keagan Nelson; his sisters and their spouses; many nieces and nephews; and lastly, his first great-grandchild, Baby Hendel, who is due November 5, 2025. Randy was most excited to be a great-grandfather. His legacy will live on through those who loved him most.

He is reunited in heaven with his parents.

A private family service will be held with a public celebration of RB's life at a later date. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com