Randall "Randy" Lewis Havel, 78, of Wasilla, Alaska, formerly of Monticello, Minnesota, passed away with grace and dignity on August 24, 2025 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his wife of 57 years, Jo.

Randy was born on April 14, 1947 in Celina, Ohio - an idyllic small town where he discovered a passion for the outdoors that would shape his entire life. He spent his boyhood fishing for bass on Grand Lake with his father, Jerry, and hunting pheasant and small game with his grandfather, Lisle, across the Buckeye State. These early adventures led to "gigging" for frogs, trapping, and even catching a crow that he tried to teach to talk.

In 1968, while attending Capital University, Randy asked a young woman from Toledo, Jo Jacobs, to dance. After only a few dates, he asked for her hand in marriage, and they eloped on August 10, 1968. Randy often said in his final days that their marriage was truly a 57-year courtship.

In 1969, Randy followed his father into the United States Marine Corps, serving with honor and distinction. He was honorably discharged as a Captain after four years of service. The Marine Corps remained a deeply important part of his life and values.

Following his military service, Randy began his career as a traveling sporting goods sales representative in northern Ohio. He later joined the Remington Arms Company, where he honed his skills and became known as a "true" salesman. With growing confidence in his abilities, he eventually founded his own sales agency, H&G Marketing, which grew into one of the most respected hunting sales agencies in the nation. During this time, Randy and his partner purchased StrikeMaster Ice Augers and built it into a leader in the ice fishing industry.

After raising their family in Monticello for 45 years, Randy retired 11 years ago to spend more time with Jo and the outdoors he loved. Together they embraced new adventures in Kerrville, Texas and Alaska - Fishing for king salmon, hunting wild boar, and even pursuing bear. Their life together was filled with adventures most couples only dream of.

Along the way, Randy formed countless lifelong friendships. He was a founding member of the Olde Pats Society, where he was affectionately known as 'The Great Morel." His many friendships, as well as the flood of cards, emails, and texts that Jo read to him in his final days, were a testament to how deeply he was loved.

Randy was also a generous mentor. Whether inviting a young person along on an outdoor adventure or quietly gifting gear with the only instruction to "pass it along", he lived as a role model for sharing the outdoors with others. He believed in helping people discover the beauty of nature, and in doing so, he made a lasting difference.

Family was Randy's greatest pride and joy. From his wife Jo to his sons Jerry, Josh "Spike", and Ben, every decision and sacrifice he made was rooted in love and responsibility to them. Whether it was driving through the night to make a hockey game or standing strong through family tragedies, his commitment to his family never wavered.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jo; his sons Jerry (Brenda) Havel and their children Jessica (Matt Ellinghuysen), Parker (Delayne Kohorst), and Olivia (Jacopo Lorenzi); Josh "Spike" (Rita Allen) Havel and his son Cade; and his cherished great-grandchildren Milo, Lucio, and soon-to-be-born, Ben. He is also survived by his brother, Kirk Havel.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Connie Havel, and his beloved son, Ben.

Randy will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, Marine, outdoorsman, and friend, His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel in Monticello. A celebration of Randy's extraordinary life will take place on Saturday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Silver Creek.

With deep appreciation, the family thanks Dr. Timothy Pehl of Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, as well as St. Croix Hospice - especially Glenda and Jade - for their compassion, grace, and dignified care during Randy's final days.

Memorials may be sent in memory of Randy and Ben Havel to support underprivileged kids to gain outdoor experiences such as Upland Bird Camp, Forkhorn Camp, or Kids Fishing Camp. Contributions may be directed to: Deep Portage Learning Center, 2197 Nature Center Drive NW, Hachensack, MN 56452.