Randy Van Maanen

Randy Van Maanen was born on December 27, 1958 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was raised by his parents, Carrie Boom and stepfather Clifford Boom in Beaver Creek, Minnesota and received his baptism into faith in April 1959 at the Reformed Church. He attended school and graduated from Hills-Beaver Creek High School in 1977. He then went to work at AR Woods Manufacturing in Luverne, Minnesota. On November 4, 1978, Randy married Brenda Stegemann at the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek. The couple made their home in rural Beaver Creek MN and began raising their two sons, Jared and Justin. Then in 1995 they moved to Hills MN. Randy later went to work at Hassenstien Steel in Sioux Falls until its closing in 1982. He then went to work at SMC Corp and later transferred to its sister-company, Tiger Mowers, where he worked on ag equipment and mowers.

Randy loved coaching his sons in sports. He enjoyed every opportunity to coach any young person in softball and baseball. He also enjoyed playing sports, including baseball, softball and golf, for many years and later, switched over to umpiring softball games for many years. He remained an avid Minnesota Twins fan and attended many games throughout his life.

Randy looked forward to visiting with the guys from work and could strike up a good conversation with even a stranger. He was simply a good natured, great person with a genuinely fun personality, even when he got to teasing you. He loved riding motorcycle with Brenda and especially enjoyed their trips through the Black Hills of South Dakota. He also loved watching his grandkids grow up and attended their games whenever he could.

In January 2024, Randy was diagnosed with cancer. He fought a long and courageous battle. Even though the majority of his diagnosis was filled with bad news, he continued to fight back and give it his all. On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Randy passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family at the age of 65 years, 11 months and 15 days.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Brenda of Hills; two sons, Jared Van Maanen and his special friend, Jodi of Sioux Falls, and Justin Van Maanen and his wife, Amanda of Luverne; four grandchildren, Jackson, Samantha, Tess and Nate; two step-sisters, Rhonda Meester of Sioux Falls, and Ranae Johnson of Luverne; an uncle, James Van Maanen of Hills; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carrie Boom; and his step-father, Cliff Boom and brother in law Rick Zoellner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.