Randall S. Horvath

Randall (Randy) Scott Horvath, 71 died in his home at 2 County Road 510 Negaunee following a lengthy battle with lung disease on February 26, 2026.

Born March 5, 1954 to Richard and Joyce Horvath, he grew up in Beaver Grove and was a lifelong area resident. He was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School, class of 1972. He worked as a Plant Repairman for CCI at the Ore Improvement Plant, Empire and Tilden Mines retiring in 2010 after 34 years of service. Despite having a somewhat wild and reckless youth, he was proud to have achieved nearly 40 years of abstinence from alcohol.

In 1974, he and his then wife, Cynthia had a daughter, Cajsa and in 1981 he and his partner, Kay had a son, Adam. In the late 1980s, he met Geraldine Hosking, who would become his lasting life partner till her death in 2016. Together the two blended their lives and families and shared a deep love and companionship.

Randy spent his retirement proudly working side by side with his son at Adam's contracting business, Cabin Caretakers and also adventure traveling with his daughter, Cajsa to various corners of the globe including elephant encounters in India, cave exploring and shark diving in Belize, viewing the splendor of the Azores and a wild and wonderful week long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon where he became a sort of folk-hero among the group. Another great highlight of his retirement was a hunting safari in South Africa with his good friend, Doug. He spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren, indulging their every desire to the best of his ability.

Hunting, especially for white tail deer and turkey, was his greatest passion. He was also a nationally ranked and enthusiastic cribbage player and an avid Redwings hockey fan. He spent several years volunteering for the National Wildlife Turkey Federation and the Hiawatha Music Festival. He could also be found supporting the many beloved family members in his life at hockey games and various music, theater and dance performances where he sometimes assisted with set building for local theater productions. (He even adjusted his chemotherapy schedule so as not to miss his grandson Desmond's starring performance!).

Randy was generous and kind (almost to a fault) to his loved ones, but could be challenging in the face of authority. He was never afraid to speak his mind or rebel against rules or policies he found unjust. At work he had a reputation as a hard, but insubordinate worker. At home, he was as easy-going and carefree a man as any you'd hope to meet. He was tolerant and accepting of all types of people. He was as equally comfortable harvesting wood or enjoying a ballet. Always on the go, always up for anything.

He is survived by his children, Cajsa (Scott) Maki Mannila, Adam Sleeman, Jennifer (Greg Retaskie) Tavernier and Michelle Tavernier; grandchildren, Irja (Ty) Hutchinson, Julieanne (Daniel Beverly) Sleeman, Kevin (Lindsay Morrison) Maki, Jr., Chris Hosking, Amber Baker and Autumn Christunas; great-grandchildren, Desmond Baker and Cooper Morrison Maki; siblings, Debra Hutton and Mike (Mary Johns) Horvath; his daughter's mother, Cynthia Sherbinow; special nephews, Michael J. Horvath and Rorrick Horvath; special friends, Sandi (John) Parkinson and Doug (Debbie) Francis; and several other nieces, nephews, bonus grandchildren and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & Joyce Horvath; life partner, Gerry Hosking; son-in-law, Kevin Maki, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Angela Sleeman; and his son's mother, Kay Sleeman.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 12 to 2 pm at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services. A service will be held at 2 pm with Pastor Kevin Taylor officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.

Randy's service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://my.gather.app/remember/randall-s-horvath

Memories of Randy may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com