Service Information
Randy Witthus, age 65, of Hudson, Wisconsin, formerly of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at his home in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota, with private family interment following at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Glencoe.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Johnson- McBride Funeral Chapel in Glencoe, Minnesota, and will continue one and half hours prior to the service (9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.) at the church on Friday.
Memorials preferred to Kinsella Angels. https://donorbox.org/kinsella-angels-3. The mission of Kinsella Angels is twofold: To support youth in need with leadership and educational opportunities and to decrease social isolation among the elderly.
Obituary
Randy Roger Witthus was born on January 13, 1958, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Earl and Verone (Frauendienst) Witthus. Randy was baptized as an infant on February 9, 1958, and later confirmed into his faith as a youth on March 5, 1972, both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. Randy graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1976 and continued his education at North Dakota State University (playing baseball), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education; he later worked toward a graduate degree in physical education and coaching at Mankato State University.
Randy was an outstanding athlete and enjoyed being active. When he was a young man, Randy, along with his brothers, took up the sport of boxing. Their mentor and boxing coach was their encouraging father, Earl. Randy went on to win the Golden Gloves title for the Upper Midwest region. Randy also played football, basketball, and baseball at Glencoe High School, in 2009 Randy was inducted into the GSL Panther Association Hall of Fame recognizing these many athletic achievements. Randy also spent many years playing baseball with the Plato (MN) Blue Jays.
Randy built a career consulting with more than 65 corporations/communities to design fitness facilities and develop employee health and wellness programs. For the last 20 years, Randy was the manager of Fitness Crossroad in St. Anthony, MN. He called this facility his second home. He dearly loved the people he worked with, and Randy would light up when he had the opportunity to help members improve their health. Whether consulting with a member on a physical ailment, personal issue, orthopedic challenge, or perfecting a swing, Randy was in his element when he could provide direction, teach, give instruction, and share some of his vast medical knowledge.
Randy’s faith was very important to him: He was a member of the Family of Christ Lutheran Church, in Houlton WI, and, he loved the fellowship he experienced while participating in his weekly online Bible studies. Randy had a big heart. His love ran deep. And he was as humble as they come. He truly loved his family, spending time with his life partner Donna; his children Kindra, Jerod, and Molly; and grandchildren Tyler, Kaylee, Harrison, Lucy, and Charlie, teaching them how to ride four-wheelers and tractors, play games, and watching their many sporting activities. Randy was a loyal, dedicated, and caring man, who saw the good in everyone and eagerly helped anyone in need. He loved working on projects, cutting down trees, and tinkering on engines in his pole barn. Randy was a very passionate coach and mentor who dedicated many years to coaching the “apple of his eye,” his daughter Kindra Rae and continued his support through her educational and career path which includes coaching, umpiring softball, and as a certified Occupational Therapist.
Randy is survived by his:
Loving Life Partner, Donna Pechacek (Fink) of Hudson, WI;
Daughter, Kindra Witthus of Eau Claire, WI;
Stepchildren, Jerod Fink and his wife, Kari of Baldwin, WI, Molly Schacht and her husband, Ryan of Afton, MN;
Grandchildren, Tyler Fink, KayLee Fink, Harrison Schacht, Lucy Schacht, Charlie Schacht;
Mother, Verone Witthus of Glencoe, MN;
Siblings, Dave Witthus and his wife, Betty, of Glencoe, MN,
Gail Jungclaus of Lake City, MN,
Rick Witthus and his wife, Kelly of Victoria, MN,
Larry Witthus and his wife, Denise of Chaska, MN;
Donna’s Siblings, Colleen Holm of The Villages, FL, Rita Cudd and her husband, Jack of River Falls, WI, Tracy Pechacek of Marine on St. Croix, MN, Donald Pechacek Jr. of River Falls, WI, Maureen Pechacek and her husband, Maynard Howe of Las Vegas, NV, Tim Pechacek and his wife, Janice of River Falls, WI, Angela McMorrow and her husband, Len of Woodbury, MN.
Both Randy and Donna have many dear friends and large extended families that include many nieces and nephews, who he impacted and were a very important presence in Randy’s life.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, Earl Witthus; Donna’s parents, Elizabeth (Peg) and Donald Pechacek, Sr., Donna’s infant brother, and Donna’s brother-in-law Ron Holm.
Blessed be Randy’s memory. As he often quoted, “…. with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Brion and Renee Polzin says
Randy was a classmate of mine. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Witthus family. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength
Teri says
I knew Randy from Fitness Crossroads. So sorry to hear of Randy’s death.
I had several health challenges over the years and Randy was always there with optimism and encouragement to help me get back to working out. I am forever grateful for his kindness. Sending healing light to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Jordan says
Very lucky to have met Randy at Fitness Crossroads in 2016. I’d usually come in the morning, needing to catch a bus to work at a certain time or after work, wanting to get home for Dinner – a quick greeting with him always turned into 15 minute talk about sports (usually baseball). His friendship and banter was more valuable to me than any additional workout I would have done in that time and I’m thankful for those memories with him.
Jordan H. says
I am very grateful to say that Randy was a mentor to me. I worked with him at Fitness Crossroad for the better part of a decade. He was so genuine, knowledgeable, and eager to lend a hand. I laughed, cried, and was able to be vulnerable with Randy without judgment. He was truly one of a kind and I am going to miss him dearly.
Suzy Whaley says
Very sad news….Randy was a great coach and role model to my daughter Courtney growing up in Hudson. As well as a bunch of other girls that played softball. A great guy who knew what he was talking about ? spent a lot of time together in those years! Prayers to Donna and Kindra and rest of the family
Rest in Peace Randy
Linda Hempel says
Randy has left footprints on the lives of so many of us who knew him. His humor, kindness, positivity and willingness to share his knowledge has made a difference in my life. I was so fortunate to work beside Randy (and Donna) early in both our careers in the health and fitness field. I remember most his work ethic and self discipline. Gone too soon. My heartfelt thoughts to all who will miss him.
Cindy McCleary says
So sad to hear of his passing, he willed be missed. Randy was always so kind, when I’d run into him at Fitness Crossroads. He always had positive things to share, and talk about; as we had a shared love for softball. He always remembered that my girls played, and how important to the growth of confident women, sports are. He is a dear soul; peace to his family.
Carol and Richard Wickmann says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May your family be supported by remembering the happy times. God be with you.
Paul krohn says
A wonderful colleague and inspiration to many. Randy touched many lives with his wisdom, spontaneity, and his dedication to assisting others. His work ethic and drive were unparalleled. Peace and love to his family at this difficult time.
Anytime Fitness St. Anthony says
Many long-time members of Fitness Crossroad are with us today, and everyone I have talked with or broke the news to has nothing but great things to say about Randy. I’ve been Manager of Anytime for one year now and the impact Randy left on this community is something I have the utmost respect for.
I aspire to be like Randy, and we aim to continue to serve members up to the standard Randy established.
Kindly,
Kyle Sather
Club Manager
Anytime Fitness St. Anthony
Adrienne Johnson says
What an unspeakable loss. We should all aspire to be so loved.
Thank you Randy for touching so many lives and living a beautiful life.
And, thank you for being there for my boys, all of them.
Rest in the grace of God.
Julio Gonzalez says
Randy & Donna lovely couple, through everything you & Randy share together, the love through the years. That special bond that always be part of you.
Hoping you find comfort now in that very special love that will last forever…
Kathy McIntire says
Donna & Witthus family – I was so very sorry to learn of your loss. I hope happy memories will give you comfort and peace. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Mike and Sheryle Jannusch says
Condolences to Randy’s whole family.