Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Randall John VanGelder
Randall John VanGelder
Obituary
Guest Book
About
Randall VanGelder Obituary
Randall was born June 14, 1947 in McCook, Nebraska to George John and Frances Jean Van Gelder. The family moved to California when he was 10 years old. It was there he attended Colton Junior High, Colton High School, and University of California at Riverside. He lived with his wife and daughter in Redlands CA for 39 years before moving to El Cajon, CA in 2010.
Randall's careers included 12 years with the National Forrest Service Lab in Riverside, CA and over 30 years with the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District.
Randy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Gail Jones Van Gelder, and preceded in death by their daughter Crystal June Van Gelder (b.1973-d.1988). Survived also by his sister Cheryl Lee Van Gelder Drake of San Diego, brother Kent Brian Van Gelder of Yucaipa and beloved in-laws, Cheryle (Jones) and Larry Andrews of Idaho, Kurtis and Laura (Jones) Smith of San Diego, Dale and Pam Jones of Minesota, and Roger and Patti Jones as well as many nieces and nephews and special friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to Davis Phinney Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association, or your favorite charity in memory of Randy.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held July 29, 2024 at 10:30 am at
Skyline Church Chapel, 11330 Campo Rd., La Mesa, CA 91941.
Lunch will be provided following the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Randall
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Randall VanGelder
Tell your own story about Randall
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in Randall VanGelder's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Randall's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Randall VanGelder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
