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BORN
1952
DIED
2018
Randall Meader Memoriam
Born: June 20, 1952; in Joliet, IL
Died: March 7, 2018; in Alameda, CA
Randall Lee "Randy" Meader passed away suddenly and peacefully, at home in Alameda, CA, Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
Randy was born on June 20, 1952 ("at 6:28 PM") in Joliet, IL, to Raymond G. and Bernadine M. (Mutz) Meader. A graduate of Lewis University and Lockport High School Class of 1970, Randy began his teaching career at Walsh School, District 92, in Lockport. He resided in California for nearly 40 years, retiring from the Alameda Unified School District just three years ago. "Mr. Meader's" life centered around teaching his 4th and 5th grade students. Always a good conversationalist, he loved sharing jokes and meeting with peers and parents.
Randy had a passion for radionics and puns, loved Frank Zappa and NPR, and was always willing to share 3/8 of a sandwich. His light and laughter will surely be missed.
Randy is survived by his brothers, Raymond E. "Spike" (Mary) Meader and Robert M. (Cheryl) Meader; nephews, Jeff (Emily) Meader and Scott (Katie) Meader; nieces, Jana (Ryan) Kubacki, Jill (Jason) Sunderson, Stacey Meader, and Jenae (Alex) Cerovac. Also, eight great-nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Ruthann Cohn and Dr. Laurie Chaikin.
Private services will be held with burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL.
Kind words about Mr. Meader may be sent to: The Meader Family, 16818 Swift Arrow Drive, Lockport, IL 60441.
Randall Meader Tribute Video: Click Here to View
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randall Meader
Janice Hirsch
March 5, 2025
It has been 7 years since you left us. I still miss your humor and your insights. I miss our talks from natural healing to whether we really landed on the moon! Your counseling on health issues is sorely needed. You will
Always be in my thoughts until we meet again.
Janice Hirsch
March 1, 2022
In 6 days it will be 4 years since you left us. You are sorely missed. The world lost a bright light when you died. I am sure your light shines brightLy on the other side.
Godspeed my friend
Rebecca Messer
April 19, 2021
I had Mr. Meader for 5th grade in Alameda in the 90´s. I tell my kids about how that was my favorite year and he was my favorite teacher. I googled him to see what he was up to and was sad to find an obituary. I thought he was so funny when he would stop us from reading out loud as a class and point to someone else and ask them to say the next word and it would always be "no" or "why" or something else belligerent. Hilarity ensued as he would pretend rage and confusion. Best 5th grade teacher anyone could have asked for.
Janice Hirsch
March 6, 2021
Think about you often, buddy. I miss our talks very much. There are so many things I would like to discuss with you! Rest peacefully, my dear friend.
Jenae Cerovac
April 10, 2020
Thinking of you today Uncle Randy
Janice Hirsch
March 1, 2020
My dear, dear friend. I miss you so very much. I think about you often. Your spirit lit up our lives. Without you, life is a little less bright. Hoping to see you when I cross over.
Jamming and relaxing at Jeff's, with Monkey.
Jenae Cerovac
August 19, 2019
"Ghoulish Greetings Uncle Randy" - A Halloween-themed Welcome Home cake!
Jenae Cerovac
August 19, 2019
Molly O
June 21, 2019
I won the lottery when I got Mr. Meader as my fourth grade teacher almost 15 years ago, and still think fondly and often of all my great memories in his class. He was a one-in-a-million, kind, vibrant, hilarious personality who challenged his students, treated us as individuals, and made me feel special as a kid--one of those few "cool adults" from my past who will forever stay with me, and who has made a lasting impact in my life. Thank you Mr. Meader--you really were the best. Thinking of you today on your birthday.
Bill Brown
August 31, 2018
..my childhood friend through college..rest in peace Randy..
Tammy Cross
June 29, 2018
Awe. He had a great smile and sense of humor. I remember Mr. Meader very well. He was my teacher and great one at that. Sorry to hear of his passing. You have my thoughts and my prayers. Tammy (Barr) Cross
Johnny Lazenby
May 4, 2018
Sorry to hear.He was an Awsome teacher! God Bless
Linda Butler (Eubanks)
May 3, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to family of Mr. Meader one more angel was called home.God Bless
Sally Neese
April 21, 2018
My condolences to the Meader family. I taught with Randy in Illinois. He was a special man. Rest In Peace Randy.
Richard Hirsch
March 29, 2018
I had the honor of getting to know Randy through my mother Janice Hirsch the last couple of years.
The first word that comes to mind when I think of Randy is hilarious, but is quickly followed by giving, brilliant, hilarious (again), and finally amazing!
You don't get to meet a truly beautiful soul like Randy very often in your life if ever. In my line of work I see the very darkest of places people can go. In Randy I saw the very brightest of lights.
I will forever cherish my dinner with Randy, My mother Janice, and my Aunt Linda at, where else but Merichka's in Joliet. When I go back there next I will hoist my poorboy and give a salute to a man gone too soon.
Thank you Randy for ALL the help you gave me and my family. When I die, and God willing I go to heaven, I will look for the brightest soul dear sir, and it will be you.
I first met Mr. Meader while dropping off our daughter at Edison School. She was not in 4th grade, but Mr. Meader was a friendly teacher who talked to a lot of the parents on the playground, and I soon found out he was from the Chicago area like myself, a
Greg Klein
March 24, 2018
I first met Mr. Meader while dropping off our daughter at Edison School. She was not in 4th grade, but Mr. Meader was a friendly teacher who talked to a lot of the parents on the playground, and I soon found out he was from the Chicago area like myself, and had a dry sense of humor, and got to know him as a friend. When our daughter Hannah got to 4th grade she was enrolled in his class. She thrived in his classroom, as did many of the students. He really got them to think about what they were learning, and not just memorize things. Mr. Meader also taught our younger daughter, Hadley, and could tease her without being mean. I think he taught her how to have a sense of humor about life. I like to think that he taught our kids how to be a good person. Randy was a good role model for that. He was a good friend to us, and was very supportive of his students and parents. He was a guest at our house on a few occasions, and I am sorry that we didn't keep up with him more after he retired from teaching. He even called us just a few weeks ago to ask how they were doing! It was a timely call, since he passed away soon after that call. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. God speed Randy.
Greg Klein
Attached is a drawing I did a long time ago of our daughter Hadley in his class.
Meg Brogan
March 23, 2018
Randy was a gifted teacher. He celebrated all students' gifts. I had the privilege of teaching with Randy and will always remember his creativity and his compassion. I feel so blessed to have Randy Meader as a mentor in my teaching career. Thank you Randy for your smile and sense of humor and your love for your students.
Shirley Clem, Edison parent
March 23, 2018
Mr. Meader was LOVED by his students. He understood and inspired so many children to learn and be their best. We all appreciated his amazing stories, fantastic humor, and kind spirit. So so sad to hear he is gone. We miss you, Randy! Rest in peace.
Ryan Muskar
March 19, 2018
I had Mr. Meader in 5th Grade at Longfellow Elementary School many years ago. I'm exceptionally saddened to hear this news. He is one of those teachers that I will remember for the rest of my life. Mr. Meader knew how to get the best out of me as a student. I will be forever grateful having him as my teacher. Rest In Peace Mr. Meader.
Deborah Collins
March 16, 2018
He was such a good teacher. He will be missed...
Laurie Clark Brown
March 16, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Meader's passing. It wasn't too long ago that we were able to reconnect over dinner and had such a wonderful time. He was a special teacher who knew how to reach kids and made a lasting impact on their lives. I know I owe him a great deal for the difference he made in my life. Rest well my dear friend.
Condolences to his family and friends, may your memories bring you peace and comfort in the coming days.
Michael Johnstone
March 16, 2018
I became friends with Randy in 1981 37 years ago. We were in close contact for most of that time; he was my best male friend. I never imagined a world without Randy, and I certainly never thought Id write an obituary for him. He had a lot of friends, mostly female. I tried a few times to get contact info for his few closest female friends, but he always waived it off, since we just assumed hed outlive me. Wrong. Fortunately, I was able to contact them, and his family in Illinois, right after he died. They have been terrific, and Im grateful for their support and assistance. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Randy would find this outpouring of grief amusing, touching, and somewhat expected. He knew a lot of people, and he kept in touch with parents and students from over 40 years ago, both in Illinois and California. He cherished his close friendships, and always accepted people on their own terms. He rarely asked a favor, but was himself, extremely generous. Generous with his time, his skills and knowledge, and his material gifts. For a guy who couldnt drive for the last 25 years, due to impaired vision, and living in a small cottage set back from Lincoln Ave. in Alameda for 20 years, Randy lived life large. With radionics, he earned an exalted position, whereby people would send him money for dispensing information, without ever a bill, or even the mention of money. Ever.
He was a lifelong voracious reader, with an encyclopedic knowledge of many subjects, including alternative medicine, politics, and both classical and contemporary music. He was an accomplished singer/guitar player. Anyone who ever heard him sing and play would be astonished at his ability. That voice. From the time I knew him, to the very end, we played guitar and sang together, largely due to his encouragement, starting back to 1981. He was with me, in the guitar store in 1982, when I traded in my Gibson Les Paul electric, for an Ovation DS-11 acoustic (still my main guitar), because in his opinion, I would play it more. He was 100% correct.
Randy died suddenly, which is exactly as he would have wanted it. He had a profound disdain for modern, traditional medicine. Going to a hospital, or even receiving prolonged best practice care, for an injury or illness, would have made him miserable.
A world without Randy will take a while to get used to. When I started my own company 30 years ago, until now, Randy was always my confidant and advisor, giving wise advice when asked, and endless support. Through marriage and divorce, single parenting, and the multitude of challenges that come with daily life, Randy was always there, listening, weighing in, usually with a well-timed joke. You couldnt ask for a better friend. If Im lucky, Ill always have that memory of a friend who would clown it up until I had to laugh. The friend who absolutely had to tell me the story, or show me songs he had just learned, or heard, or videos, or comedy, or anything else that needed to be shared. It will take a while to get used to the quiet.
Thank you, Randy. You made your mark.
Helen Jefferson
March 15, 2018
Randy was a tireless caregiver for Maisie his collie of many years. His love for her and caring when Maisie developed medical problems was endearing. We spent many many days at Washington Park along with dozens of dog lovers who subsequently became friends. Helen
Connie Chapman
March 14, 2018
When I heard about my dear friend Randy Meader's passing-I took it like a ton of bricks. He inspired many children over the course of his career and was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor. Highly intelligent too- I so enjoyed being his colleague and teaching partner as well. Randy is also among my daughters all time favorite teachers. I am grateful for how he inspired her and made her feel valued as a 4th grader in his class. (Its so hard to even put him in the past tense!!) Randy was quite a spirit and a bright light for many who knew him. I have gratitude for being able to call him my friend. Ill miss you Randy! PS: Celebration of Life at Edison March 24 11:00-1:30 MPR... Hope to meet more of Randy's friends and commune with the ones I already know- to share Meaderisms, funny stories, etc.
Connie Chapman
March 14, 2018
Hi Everyone,
I am throwing a Celebration of Life gathering for Randy at Edison School on Saturday the 24th of March, between 11:00 and 1:30 or so. Friends, former students/parents, and colleagues welcome. See the Evite here:
(Paste it in your browser.)
https://www.evite.com/event/02BA56NCZQSJYIA5KEPIE7EOMCKBUM/activity?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_medium=sharable_invite&utm_source=facebook
There are too many funny stories to share about Randy here. I am saving them for the celebration of Randy's life.
Lynn (Chiquita) Livesay
March 14, 2018
I want to thank Randy for the help he gave me. I am looking forward to paying my respects back in Illinois. My prayers are with his family in the trying time.
Joan Hickey
March 13, 2018
We loved Randy. He was brilliant, fun, sarcastic. Im grateful for the last meeting because my daughter got to meet him. They shared some interests and he showed her his crystals and some other things he was working with.
Sudden death is both tragic and kind. Randy used to like to say when people were kind. That was important to him.
Sarah Nunn
March 13, 2018
Mr. Meader was one of my favorite teachers at Edison Elementary. I am now working on a bachelor's degree with intent on following in his footsteps and becoming an elementary school teacher... As a student, he truly made me feel as though I had a lot to offer this world and without a doubt, everyone loved him for that. I can only hope that I will be able to duplicate a fraction of his warmth and effortless humor in my own classroom someday - I am so grateful to have had him as a role model and an example of what a "good" adult looks like. My sincerest condolences to the Meader family and all who also held him dear. Much love - Sarah
Oscar Knox White
March 12, 2018
I can say without a doubt that he had a great positive impact on my life. He will be missed for all of the great things that he contributed to the students at Edison and the community of Alameda as a whole. Rest in Peace
March 12, 2018
I first met randy in 2004 when I bought my house, Randy came with it. Randy was still working and would often vent to me about his day at work. Randy would talk about how great his students were and how fantastic the parents were but didn't seem to be a fan of the system. Every year Randy would tell me about his field trip to Coloma Ca. and how much fun the kids would have. As time went on we became great friends, we shared thoughts on life and current events. Randy soon became part of our family, the kids would race down the driveway yelling "Hi Randy" and on a few occasions would sit down and play the guitar for them. Randy was a true prince of a man. Words cant describe how much you meant to us, you will always be part of our family..we will miss you dearly.
Joe,Nicole,Gracie,Joseph.
Pete Klapper
March 12, 2018
Much gratitude and and appreciation to Randy for helping expose the grandeur of life and remove darkness. Such an amazing and powerful light worker. Exquisite ability to work magic. The ability to coordinate all that is for the well being of humanity. A great heartfelt thank you. Shine on.
Linda Grisham
March 12, 2018
Getting to know you was a high light in my life. You helped me so many times and I want to thank you for that. I will miss your sense of humor and our conversations that covered a multitude of topics. Your passing has left a hole in the lives of many. You will be missed.
Jan (Wood) Levi
March 12, 2018
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Mr. Meader touched the lives of many.
My deepest sympathies to the Meader Family. I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Peter Cole
March 11, 2018
I never met Randy personally but I heard about him a lot. He befriended my uncle, whom he never met in person. They talked on the phone for many hours many many days. He helped my uncle in innumerable ways, both material and spiritual. In Jewish tradition there are 36 kind and just men, called lamed vav-niks. (Lamed-vav means 36.). Their identity is not known to anyone but God, but it is because of them that God does not destroy the world, despite all the evil deeds and misery. Randy seems to me to be one of the lamed vav-niks, someone whose kindness has quietly saved the world. With Randy suddenly gone, who will save the world now by his kindness?
Janice Hirsch
March 11, 2018
Good bye my close, dear friend. I will miss tbe phone conversations we had several times a week. My years teaching with you at Walsh were the best years of my long career. You gave of yourself freely, helping so many people, never asking or expecting anything in return. You opened my mind to many new avenues of thought. I will miss your sense of humor. You could always make me laugh. A great light has gone out in the world. You will be missed.
Tim Murray
March 11, 2018
Very sorry to here of Randy's passing.Many good memories of spending Saturdays at the Meaders house in the 60s with Randy and my brother Sean. My condolences
Laura Sangalli
March 11, 2018
Randy was an exceptional educator and colleague for many years. He had an unique ability to enable each student to find their voice in his classroom. His wit, humor and kindness will be missed.
Rheta Murdaugh
March 11, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss
Jerry Pius
March 11, 2018
My sincere condolences to Bob and family. Jerry Pius
The Chiang/Beloney Family
March 11, 2018
Both of our kids were lucky enough to have Mr. Meader as a teacher at Edison Elementary. Of the countless teachers they will have in their lives, he is one of a handful that they will remember by name when they are 65. Randy knew how to connect with kids and parents alike. We're so grateful that we knew him.
Jeanine (Wilson) Dodge
March 11, 2018
I also was one of his student's at Walsh School he was a great great teacher.. so sorry for your loss.
Catol
March 11, 2018
Dear Spike, Bob and all the Meader family, Sorry to say the last time we saw Randy was when he and his Mom, my aunt Bernadine, stayed with Larry & me in Texas on his way to Ca. That was was a long time ago. I'll always remember him as a very young man, anxious to be on his way. Sorry for your loss.
Carol & Larry Burk, Newport, Va.
Rick Ivnik
March 11, 2018
I am in total shock. He was truly a great friend. I will miss him.
Rick Ivnik
Jack Podlesny
March 11, 2018
Ray , Bob and families
Very sorry for the loss of your brother Randy
The Jack Podlesny Family
Rebecca Valerio, is encouraging all former Edison kids to wear their Alameader shirts to school this Monday #AlameaderRespect
Kathleen Valerio
March 11, 2018
My daughter, Rebecca Valerio, was devastated when she heard Mr. Meader had passed. He is her favorite teacher. She put on her shirt as soon as she heard the news. Then she started calling classmates to get the word out. She's trying to get as many Edison kids as possible to wear their shirts to school in his honor this Monday. #AlameaderRespect
Leah, Evan and Ashley Ackerman
March 11, 2018
Thank you for your kindness, wisdom, smiles and lessons. I am grateful for you. Your memory will be for a blessing.
Nina Marie
March 11, 2018
An angel in the making. You are missed
Thank you for all your support
Eli
March 11, 2018
Great guy, wish I'd gotten back in touch with him more recently. I remember thinking his class was as effective as comedy school, and still remember the songs we'd sing as he played guitar. Mr. Meader had a positive impact on many who crossed paths with him.
Connie Turner
March 11, 2018
Randy was a great teacher and a wonderful coworker. I had the pleasure of teaching with him at Edison. I will miss his wit and his music. My thoughts are with his family.
Su-Lin Hennecke
March 11, 2018
Randy was a great teacher - he told it like it is, got the kids to think for themselves, and instilled a love of reading and learning, all with a sense of humor. I will miss seeing him around town, listening to his words of wisdom, and chatting about our mutual Chicagoland roots :) I am glad to have known him. My sincere condolences to your family.
Tracy Cote
March 10, 2018
I will always think of Randy as the coolest teacher my kids ever had. Awesome guy - smart, funny and very well read. Got my reluctant then-4th grader to actually read actual literature!! He will be missed. And he will be remembered.
Jeff Scholl
March 10, 2018
Mr reader was a great teacher even though I wasnt a gifted student with straight A's I did learn a lot from him and all my teachers it's not until you grow up and realize what you learn in life isn't how smart or dumb you are it's who your teachers are. And he was a great teacher
Jim Barrett
March 10, 2018
Hey Randy, I've known you for over 30 years. Before Emily was born. We tripped the streets of San Francisco in the '80's. Had a drink or two. Good times. Always with the music. Helped you moved once. Many boxes filled with records. You mixed us dozens of tapes. Listen to them to this day. Gave us June Tabor, Martin Simpson, Frank. Love you man.
Jim
Lake Oswego, OR
Tammy (Barr) Cross
March 10, 2018
Great teacher and fond memories when I was his student. RIP! Prayers for family
Larry Nona
March 10, 2018
Although only 13 years older you will always be Mr. Meader to me. Thank you for being my 7th grade teacher at Walsh 92 in Lockport, IL. All students should be so fortunate to have a teacher like you help guide them in their early years. May your family and friends be blessed.
Julie-Ann Cesareo
March 10, 2018
Mr. Meader (as he was fondly known to our family) was such an exceptional teacher. He was so very smart and full of wit and wisdom. My daughter was so very lucky to have him as her 4th-grade teacher. He made a true and positive impact in her life. As a shy and quiet kid, my daughter was able to find her voice in Mr. Meader's class. As a fourth grader, she learned from him to not just accept what she is being told but to think for herself. Through his immense wit and wisdom, he encouraged each student to embrace their own unique individuality and to question authority. He was truly a unique and special teacher who will always hold a very special place in my families heart. As I am so very saddened by his loss, I know that his spirit will live on through all of the many children who were lucky enough to have him as their teacher.
March 10, 2018
A great teacher and an even greater human. So sorry for this loss.
John Knox White
March 10, 2018
Mr. Meader (he'll always be Mr. Meader to our family) was a wonderful teacher for our two boys. He challenged them to learn and think while always respecting and showing interest in what the kids were into at the moment. On a personal side, we bonded over music and our varied musical loves. My thoughts go out his family, I am very sorry for your life. Know that he touched many lives and made a real difference in them. For our family, we enjoyed the two years we lived in Alameader.
Susanne Sharpnack
March 10, 2018
Randy was a dedicated educator who created a community of learners with each new group of students but appreciated every student as a unique individual. He was a colleague for many years as well as a favorite teacher of my own son. What a sense of humor! He will be missed.
Kristin Sagen
March 10, 2018
My condolences to Randy's family. I had the joy of working with Randy, and he was such a good guy, so great with the kids he taught. So many memories, all infused with his wonderful sense of humor. Thank you for sharing him with us. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sally Lundberg
March 9, 2018
I loved Randy. He was a soul mate. I will miss him greatly.
Terri Hayes
March 9, 2018
I'll always remember the musical side of Randy and his admiration for The Mothers of Invention so the following quote from Frank Zappa sums it up. "Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is THE BEST." Keep the music playing, Randy!
Scott and Sue Crowther
March 9, 2018
So sorry to hear about Randys passing.
Love and Prayers - Hugs and Kisses to the Meader family
March 9, 2018
Dear Meader family
Im so glad we were able to reunite with Randy at Jenae and Alexs wedding.
So sorry to hear of his passing.
Ill miss his FB sharings.
Many memories of my cousin as kids at Grandmas House.
Love
Maizie and Bill
Joe and Jane Sieracki
March 9, 2018
Our condolences to the whole Meader family. We remember him from the weddings he attended. God Bless.
Sally Scott
March 9, 2018
We are so saddened to hear about his passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jana Kubacki
March 9, 2018
We love you Uncle
Randy! Well miss your stories, jokes and smiles.
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