The life of Randy Michael Darling was suddenly taken away, due to a motorcycle accident, on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. He was only 51 years of age and a resident of Jordan, MN.
A time of gathering will be on Monday, July 30, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 104 West First Street, Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Tuesday, July 31 at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at Friendship Church 12800 Marystown Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor Michael Golay will preside. Pallbearers will be Ed Will, Scott Coster, Marlin Brule, Jake Crooks, Jimmy Maynard, Chris Darling, Dalton Bourdeaux and John Ostroviak. Randy will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 1, at 10:15am, assembly area 5, with military honors provided by Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad.
Randy was born on September 18, 1966, in Columbus, Ohio. His adventurous life and the love for the outdoors all began on the back roads in Huntington, West Virginia. Through the years, Randy had many adventures growing up with siblings, Paul Jr., Brenda, Jimmy, Mike, Chris and Tracy. He spent countless hours in the woods; hunting, taking walks, exploring the creeks and target practicing. It was in these same woods on November 14, 1970, that 75 passengers (players, coaches, trainers, directors and crew) perished in a plane crash from the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team. A film called, “We Are Marshall” was later produced in 2006.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Randy always had a love for being a mechanic. He enjoyed helping his dad, Elvie working on cars and tinkering in the garage. In an effort to support his family, Randy enlisted into the United States Army in 1984. His duties took him all over the United States. Randy took his passion as a mechanic repairing helicopters. His love as a mechanic followed him after the army during his career, first working at Seagate Technology, followed by managing auto part stores, wrenching at dealerships and in recent years, working part time at Wolf Motor’s in Jordan. The last 17 years, Randy has dedicated his expertise working as a mechanic for Mystic Lake Casino.
Randy married and from this union was blessed with two precious girls, Brittany and Laura. He later remarried, and his life was enriched once again. On September 30, 1995, Randy and Andrea Roble married in Spring Grove, MN. They were blessed with two children, Erin and Ryan. As a family, they enjoyed Randy’s passion of the outdoors, camping and talking around the campfire, especially at their seasonal campsite at Kiesler’s Campground. The Darling family also enjoyed swimming, grilling and spending Saturday nights playing cards. Randy loved the holiday gatherings, spoiling his dogs and taking the family on vacations to Mexico and road trips back to West Virginia. Randy’s life was truly blessed being a grandpa. The grandchildren were his everything and had such a rich relationship with each one.
Randy enjoyed deer hunting, ice fishing, cheering on the Vikings and reading the StarTribune. Randy loved watching TV and Netflix, especially Walking Dead. He supported the Jordan community being a firefighter for 6 years. A lifelong passion, Randy loved riding his motorcycle. You knew it was him from afar, when Randy’s white Harley Davidson approached, with a teddy bear strapped to the back. He also enjoyed participating in the Red Knights Motorcycle Club (a club of active and former fire fighters and first responders).
A devoted family man, Randy never failed to be there for his family or friends. He was supportive, caring, dependable, giving, kind hearted and straight forward. Randy had a great sense of humor, with his laughter filling the room. He loved life to the fullest!!!
Forever loved, Randy will be missed by wife, Andrea; children, Brittany Darling, Laura Darling, Erin Darling, Ryan Darling; grandchildren, Christian, Nicholas, Adilynn, Jayden, Connor; parents, Linda Maynard, Elvie (Yvonna) Maynard, Sherri Tomak; siblings, Brenda (Chris Whitlow) Maynard, Jimmy Maynard, Chris Darling, Tracy Pettet; and other relatives and friends. There to greet Randy in heaven was his father, Paul Darling Sr; brothers, Paul Darling Jr and Mike Darling,
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Darling family.
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John kane (aka wolfman)
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one
Wolfman
Justin Reiten
Andrea Darling and Family I am so sorry yall have to go through this. Randy was way to young to go this soon. Yall are in my prayers. I love yall…
Olga Polyakov
My heart is breaking . Randy , RIP. Sending prayers and condolences to Darling family
Katie Rice
My children who are Randy’s great nieces and nephews and I are very sorry for you loss. Way too young to go so soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and children and those beautiful grand babies!
Much love and prayers
Katie Rice Camie Harber &
Olivia, Claire, Bryce and Bradlee Darling
Mike Sana and Emily Iverson
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
A neighbor
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family during the difficult time.
Becky Maynard
To all the Darling and Maynard family so sorry for you loss of a son, brother, father, grandfather, friend. He was taken way to soon. May you find comfort and prayers to you all, may God wrap you in his embrace. Love to you all.
Troy Fluent
My daughter and I were driving home from Valleyfair when we came across the accident where Randy passed. I want to send to you and your family my deepest sympathy and may you find peace in our Lord Jesus. I have been praying for your family each day and will continue to.
Cory and Ken Larkin
The loss doesnt seem real….he will be missed and cherished! ❤
Carri Waack
We met you guys in Cancun in the pool and struck up a conversation for most of the afternoon ..Jamie and I are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and the kids.
Jamie and Carri Waack
Bruce Brabec
Andrea and family. My deepest sympathies for you in this time of loss. May you find strength in your family, friends and faith.
The hulls
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you. Prayers for peace in your heart. Norman passed right after the accident & he knew it was bad, then Aleigha came in & told us it was your family. Hugs to you all.
Norman & April Hull & family
Lisa Hodne
Dear Andi and family, Lifting you up in prayer for your loss – now and in the days ahead. We pray that the love and precious memories you shared with Randy give you comfort and strength. May you find some peace in learning the ways that the relationship endures. My heart is breaking for you, my friend.
Mike and Nancy Spieker
We are very sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Brenda Maynard
My heart is broken from the loss of my big brother. He was an outstanding, great guy that loved life and his family! To young and gone to soon however, never forgotten! I love and will miss you brother! RIH
Mike Henderson
In the short time I worked with him until last winter, I knew I gained a friend for life! I only wish I had met him years ago!! The world truly lost a great man! Andrea and family, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Ruth Flynn
Andrea
I grieve for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Flynn
Kyle Tutsch
Randy will be in our hearts and memories.
Kyle and Jeanie Tutsch
Wynne Family
Our sincerest condolences to Andrea, Erin, Ryan and the entire Darling family. It is with heavy hearts to hear of Randy’s passing. We are praying you go forward with the strength in knowing how many people’s lives Randy has touched.
Linda Maynard
As Randy’s Mother.. I am sending all my love, thoughts & prayers! He was a loving & giving son! Allways full of life & loved his family dearly! He will be missed! Please know if there’s anything I can say or do..I’m here! Love & prayers!
Mikki Kronberg
My dear Andrea and family … I cannot compose the words to express my condolences for your loss. My very deepest sympathy to you all
Joseph Thompson
I knew randy for along time. I’m a mobile driver for mystic lake randy worked on our vehicles from time to time. I will always miss and think of him.RIP RANDY.
Jeff Green
I was a childhood through high school friend of Randy’s , My condolences and prayers to all of you.
Jeff Green
I was a childhood through high school friend of Randy’s , My condolences and prayers to all of you. Many great memories of a great friend and person.
Kelly Norris
I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. I was in the Jaycees with Randy and Andrea in the early 2000’s. I just saw Randy at Wolf Motors and he couldn’t stop talking about how great it was to be a grandpa.
Sally & Jeff Schumann
Andrea, we are so blessed to have shared a weekend with Randy and you in Chicago. (I wish we would have done it more often and sooner). Randy’s heart was so big and he was fun to be with and talk to. Knowing Randy made our lives fuller. We will always be here for you and you will always be my sister. Prayers of support and love and peace . I wish I could be there with you tomorrow, I really will be with you in spirit sister. God is also there to lean on and always will be there for all of you.
Diane Ellingson Matheis (Justin’s Mom)
Andrea and family, my heart aches for all of you. I didn’t personally know Randy but feel like I did through Justin always speaking so highly of him. What a tragic loss. May your memories bring a smile through the tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Jeff Fontano
I will never forget the time spent with Randy while camping. He was a great person to bounce things off of and always had a smile. what a great life taken way too soon.
Sandra Luscomb
I am very sorry for your loss Andy and family.
Anna Fishlove
Andrea,
Though we’ve never met, I am deeply saddened to learn of your husband’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and your children during this difficult time. From Anna, your Alpha Phi sister