Randy Ray Nielsen

Randy Ray Nielsen, age 63, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away on August 26, 2025 at his home surrounded by loved ones after over 6 years of battling sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Randy was born on May 5, 1962 in Albert Lea to Pauline Quam and Robert Nielsen. He grew up in Albert Lea and attended Albert Lea High School.

Randy married Malinda Krause on October 3, 1987 at Salem Lutheran Church, and together they shared 37 years of marriage and raised 2 children.

He is survived by wife Malinda; daughter Casey, son Alex, cat Pumpkin; siblings Robert (Laura), Paul (Heather), Lowell, and Whitney; dad Robert (Becki); brothers-in-law Monte, Mark, and Merle Krause; several nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by mother Pauline, special grandparents Raymond and Pearl Quam and Don and Ollie Nielsen, nephew Steven Nielsen, parents-in-law Manuel (Bud) and Rose Krause, brother-in-law Michael Krause, sister-in-law Darcy Nielsen, and many more cherished family and friends (including pets).

Randy’s passions included music, sports (football, wrestling, baseball), bird-watching, and comic books. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. Randy enjoyed going to concerts, but also had a special ear for calibrating live music. His knowledge of comic books was astounding and he enjoyed being a part of a blooming community of collectors. Randy was also known for being incredible at math. He could easily and effortlessly solve complex equations mentally. Then again, Randy was someone who enjoyed putting his brain to work; further evidenced by the fact he would often unwind after a hard-days work by watching Antiques Roadshow, History Channel, and the like. Randy also has countless great memories with many close friends, including Scott Gutknecht, Dave Arnold, Brian Lee, Bob Stephenson, and countless others. Lastly, Randy and Malinda were almost never ones to miss any activities their kids were involved in. They were their biggest supporters in this respect and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such events.

Randy worked hard for everything he earned in life. He put family above everything else and was truly a selfless individual who worked exhausting hours to provide for his loved ones. Even after Randy fell ill, that did not stop him from helping others, even to his own detriment.

A day of remembrance is to be scheduled at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of Mayo Clinic for their compassion and care.

A special thank you to Randy for taking such care of brother-in-law Monte the past couple years.

A special thanks to wife Malinda and son Alex who lovingly cared for Randy at home throughout the entirety of his illness. Their tireless devotion and compassion brought him comfort and dignity.

Randy was a special person and we will be sorely missing him every day for the rest of our lives.

Until we meet again my love.