Randy Erion

Randy Erion, age 70, met his wife at the heavenly gates to begin their eternal adventure together on January 9, 2025. " So Karen and Randy are in heaven together?" was asked by an innocent 6-year-old and exemplifies the significance of this reunion.
He was cremated following a private blessing by Father Hertges, of St. Benedict Parish, while surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of Randy's life will be held this spring at Oneota Golf and Country Club. The date and time will be announced at a later date.
Randy was born on May 3, 1954, and raised by Orlo and Delors Erion on a farm north of Alta Vista, Iowa. As a farm boy, he was no stranger to early mornings, cold days, and hard work. He transitioned from learning in a schoolhouse to attending New Hampton for high school, where he quickly realized his strength, athletic ability, and competitive drive. Most importantly he met the love of his life, Karen Gates. He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1972 and continued at Elsworth Community College to play football. From there, he earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. At UNI, his hard work and dedication on the gridiron earned him a starting defensive lineman and captain position, where he became best known as "Big E." He was a part of the team that played in the Mud Bowl, the last outdoor home football game for the Panthers. Off the field, he proved to have a bit of fun with his friends and teammates.
He earned his bachelor's degree in education and moved to Maquoketa for his first teaching and coaching position. About two years into his career, he moved to Decorah to be closer to Karen and accepted a physical education teaching position at Waukon Senior High School. As a teacher, he would actively participate in his classes, teach lessons about life and business, and be an ally to all who walked the halls. He was very passionate about including everyone. You would often hear, "You get respect when you give respect." During his tenure, he coached football and track, as well as refereed basketball in northeast Iowa. He taught at Waukon until his retirement in 2009. His legacy of molding young minds and teaching them to be the best versions of themselves spans generations. Even after retirement, he made a point to keep in touch with his students, whether in the community or on social media. He never shied away from offering advice or encouragement. As one of his former students shared, "his impact was profound and immeasurable."
After over a decade of dating, he married Karen on December 25, 1980. Over the next 11 years, they were blessed with two daughters, Abby and Lainey, and always had at least one family dog. He enjoyed watching his girls excel through sports and life but was also eager to create additional competition for them with his students at Waukon. Anyone who has been around him at sporting events could identify his whistle from anywhere.
Randy could be found golfing at Oneota Golf Course, tending to his yard and garden, walking his dogs along the trail, keeping a close eye on the weather, engaging with his friends at Your Place, watching hours and hours of golf on television, or snagging deals at the grocery store. During the colder months, he loved spending time in the heat in Green Valley, AZ. His physical presence was hard to ignore, but he was truly a gentle giant. He was kindhearted, volunteering his time at the food bank, and frequently donated to the local humane society to help dogs.
He will be deeply missed by his daughters: Abby (Dave Freund) Erion of Robins, and Lainey (Brad) Kamrath of Bozeman, MT, and many "grand-dogs." He is survived by his sister: Nancy Dominick, of Salida, CO, along with in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his best friends of 47 years and second family, Mike and Marcy Erickson of Decorah, and their son, Andy (Laura) Erickson of Urbandale. In addition to his family, he will be greatly missed by his former teammates and students.
Randy was preceded in death by his wife: Karen Erion. Parents: Orlo and Delors Erion. In-laws: Elaine and Dale Gates, and Ramona Smith-Gates.
We are all devastated that he is not physically with us anymore, but beyond grateful he graced our lives. Go home, "Papa Bear." Your adventure of a lifetime is here.