George Randels Sr.

George Durward Randels, Sr. died at home on June 22 from complications following a stroke.

George was born in Coal Valley, IL, to Durward and Edith Randels, and grew up as one of six children who survived infancy. In high school, George’s class went undefeated in football all four seasons (33-0) for the New Sharon (Iowa) Bulldogs. They played eight-man football during the one-platoon era. According to a book about the group entitled Undefeated, “George played end …. He was one of our smallest guys, but was the best open field hit man we had.”

Following high school, George attended the US Military Academy (West Point) and later enlisted in the Air Force, serving with his future wife, Kathy Pack, at Westover Air Force Base. Following their wedding and discharge, the couple moved to Iowa, where George began his career with computers. He started as a machine operator and learned how to program on the job. This led to many employment opportunities as a programmer and analyst, taking him to several Iowa venues – Shenandoah, Ottumwa (twice), Iowa City (twice), and Waterloo – plus Cincinnati, Baltimore, and finally Orlando, where he finished his career with Sprint.

Because George loved to be active, Kathy would sometimes refer to him as “the Energizer Bunny.” He engaged in many home projects, some requiring the purchase of new tools and learning new skills, and despite various infirmities he continued doing things like climbing on the roof into his late 80s. George also enjoyed travel, whether driving short distances to visit family or adventures to new places. He and Kathy travelled extensively post-retirement, getting as far as Australia.

George is survived by Kathy, his wife of nearly 64 years, and his children: son George Jr. and daughter-in-law Susanne St. Clair of Stockton, CA, daughter Teresa Smith and son-in-law James of Delmar, MD, and son Gary and partner Rose Lola of Tamuning, Guam. He is also survived by grandsons Tyler Van Sice and Corey Van Sice, and by his sister, Phyllis Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s research. To share memories of George, or to leave condolences for his family, please visit the guestbook below.