Randall E. Kollasch

June 26, 2023, Randall “Randy” Eugene Kollasch, 75, of Omaha, NE, a three time cancer survivor, passed away after an unexpected illness suddenly called him home to our Lord. He was surrounded by his wife Connie (Cassel) and their children, who ushered him into our Lord’s arms with prayer, music, and the sharing of memories.

Randy was born on October 11, 1948, to Eugene & Odell in Emmetsburg, IA, as the second of nine children and quickly established his uniqueness of character as a calm, intelligent, and joyful presence. He met the love of his life in high school and summoned the courage to ask her to homecoming their sophomore year at Garrigan High School in Algona, IA. He went on to study political science at St. Benedict College in Atchison, KS. He and Connie continued to pursue one another and although Randy enlisted in the Army immediately after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 1969, the two married on October 10, 1970.

In October of 1971, Randy was honorably discharged from the Army and he and Connie spent a couple months enjoying one another in Europe before settling in Omaha, NE at the beginning of 1972. Randy went to work as a loan officer until he was recruited by Jim Hawk Truck Trailer, Inc., where he worked his way up the ranks into the executive offices until he retired from the workforce in 2011.

An incredible amount of life, success, and joy happened in those years.

Randy and Connie welcomed their two sons, Chris (Samantha) and David (Jennifer) into their lives and quickly made friends through their church community. Randy not only coached his sons’ baseball and soccer teams, but also became an avid fan and supporter of the Creighton Blue Jay’s basketball team. He loved to watch sports and he enjoyed playing golf as often as possible.

Randy’s love for his sons was extensive, but if you wanted to see him glow then ask about his grandchildren. Kaitlyn and Madeline “Mady” (mother, Christina Kollasch) were his local sources of joy, while Benjamin, Charles Randall, and Zoë kept part of his heart in Florida. Randy started as the baby whisperer, was the go-to bedtime story reader, the tea party instructor, the baseball coach, and the card shark, who later became the driving instructor, ping pong champion, confidante, and Confirmation sponsor. His love for his grandchildren is only matched by their love for him.

Randy also enjoyed an active social life with friendships formed through his faith community. Randy and Connie participated in supper clubs, numerous traveling adventures with friends, fishing expeditions, game nights that lasted into the wee hours of the morning and summers at Lake Okoboji. There was always the Blue Jays basketball games – whether it was local games or national tournaments, Randy was there with Connie and friends.

Randy is predeceased by his dad, Eugene, his brother, Gary and his sister-in-law, Ruth. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his mother, Odell; his children and grandchildren; his remaining siblings, Butch (Joyce), Steve (Ginger), Larry (Coleen), Judy (Bruce), Sandy (Mitch), Mary, and Nick (Cindy); his siblings-in-law, Michele (Rick), Charles (Debbie), and Jim (Pam); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation with the family and prayer vigil will take place on Friday, June 30, at John A. Gentlemen Mortuaries & Crematory (1010 N. 72nd St., Omaha, NE 68114) from 5-8pm, with the prayer vigil and personal sharing beginning at 7pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 1, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church (6116 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68132) at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial to St. Vincent DePaul Society or St. John’s – Creighton University.