John Thomas Rand
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On August 29, 2017 @ 3:13 pm In 2017,Obituaries | 12 Comments
John Thomas Rand (58) of Shakopee passed away due to natural causes Friday evening, August 25th, at his place of residence. John was born in Crookston, Minnesota on June 13, 1959, to Marland “Bud” Rand and Marion Jeanne Rand (nee Wright). As a child, John relocated to Boone, Iowa with his family, where he matriculated. John joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 1984 and served for over two decades, reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, and retired early at 49. Following his retirement, John relocated to Shakopee, Minnesota, to live closer to his three daughters.
John was at his happiest when making other people laugh. He loved to entertain and his sense of humor was second to none. John deeply enjoyed playing board games with his family and friends, a love which was instilled by his family from a young age and which he passed on to his daughters throughout their lives. The family played Tripoli any opportunity they had when they were brought together, and John played cribbage with his girls as frequently as he could.
John’s friends and family remember him as being profoundly generous. He was immediate to provide a listening ear, a financial leg up, a ride to the air port. John would offer his own bed to sleep in and would settle himself in on the couch for a friend in need. He would treat people to coffees, trips to play bingo with him, shampoo and conditioner if they ran out before pay day, and he would never ask for kindness in return. His generosity was boundless.
John’s military service was a point of pride for his family, and he was well suited to his position with the Iowa National Guard. He spent his career quickly advancing, and at the time of his retirement, he was one of the highest ranked individuals in the state. His early retirement brought a life of well earned relaxation.
John is preceded in death by his loving parents and his younger brother Paul Rand. John is survived by his daughters Carissa Dressen (and Tim), Heather Rand-McKay (and David), and Danielle Rand; his grandson Devin; his siblings Frances Sandlin (and Pat), Barbara York (and John), Mary Rand (and Melodie), Margaret Rand, and James Rand; his many nieces and nephews; Kelley Bayles (and Steve), the mother of his three daughters and former spouse; and countless friends and colleagues.
Funeral service will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation Reception Center in Shakopee (833 S. Marschall Road) on Tuesday, September 5, at 12:00P, with visitation one hour prior. John will be buried at Fort Snelling with full military honors. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home Tuesday morning prior to the visitation.
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Mary sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Not an easy thing to go thru. Our thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry to hear this Heather. Take care. I am thinking about you.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how big your connection and love was. I will be here when you need a shoulder anytime.
What a shock to learn of John’s death. John and the girls were a ray of sunshine in the lives of those they touched. His spirit of giving was so clear during the time he spent at St. Stephen’s Church in Newton. He was a good person and a great father.
I am shocked to learn of John’s passing. We worked together for many years at the Joint Forces Headquarters at Camp Dodge, and I have very, very fond memories of our time together. Of course, as a Warrant Officer, he was without question a subject matter expert in the personnel field, but he added so much personality to the office that was definitely missed upon his retirement. It has been too many years since I have seen or heard from John. I am glad to know that he moved to Minnesota to be close to his daughters; no doubt THEY were what was most important in life to him. John Rand was a good man, and I’m sorry to hear that he passed away. RIP.
RIP Chief. When my husband was deploying, you provided me with a talisman for him to take with him. We both so appreciated the gesture and I always remembered your tangible effort to comfort my nervous heart. Although our relationship was short, it was meaningful. My best to your family. May you all be comforted by the many happy memories you shared together.
So sorry for your loss. Chief Rand was one of the true leaders that took care of Soldiers.
CW4 Melissa Johnson
I’m so sorry to learn of John’s passing. I worked with him for several years at Camp Dodge. His humor, guidance, and friendship Impacted my life and career in the IA ARNG. He was a class act and an outstanding NCO and Officer. Please accept my deepest condolences to all his family. Rest In Peace Brother. –Jerry Burlingham (SFC Retired).
I’m saddened to learn of John’s passing. I spent several years working with him at the Joint Forces Headquarters. He was a trusted leader who always got the job done. His diligent work assured officers throughout the State received their promotions on time and all personnel actions were completed. His levity helped keep the office a great place to work.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Chief.
John and I were always close and he trusted me, knowing I would be straight with him. He never was false with me.
My heart is broken at his passing and I ache for his children while he lived more than anything else and gave generously to them of his money, time, and mostly, love.
May God hold him. And may he rejoice at seeing his brother and parents again. This hope is what is getting me through the shock, heartbreak and profound loss.
I love you, brother John.
I want to express my condolences to the family. John was a very good man, a hard worker, with a since of humor. I served in the ING with him in the late 80s early 90s. I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
May he rest in pease!
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So sorry for your loss. God’s Peace be yours. I havent seen John in years but have fond memories. He was a jokester. 🙂