Randy Walgamuth

Submitted Story

Published: Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

  Randel Marion Walgamuth was born April 18, 1961, in Rapid City, S.D., to Roland “Bud” and Frances “Fran” (Vogeler) Walgamuth. His family lived in Caputa, S.D., during his preschool years and settled in Sturgis, S.D., where he attended grade school and high school, graduating from Sturgis Brown High School in 1979. He then went on to study business at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D. Randy’s interests and talents included cooking, canning, gardening, photographing and decorating (especially for Christmas). He enjoyed plants, animals and making friends. His entrepreneurial spirit began at an early age with snow shoveling and delivering papers. In his teenage years he was employed at Lynn’s Grocery, working his way up to assistant manager. Once he completed his education, he moved to Rapid City to manage the rollerskating rink. Then it was on to Custer, S.D., where he established many business ventures, including High Country Herald newspaper, High Country Printing Co., High Country Gift Shop and Christmas Store and High Country Greenhouse. He also owned and operated a gym, a golf driving range and managed apartments. Randy sold his business ventures in Custer and moved to Denver, Colo., to work in retail sales, starting with Kohl’s and then moving to Fashion Bar. He then transferred to advertising sales, becoming the district manager for Network Communications, Inc., where he was employed at the time of his death. Randy died Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 at Rose Medical Center in Denver after a battle with cancer. He was 47. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Bud and Fran; his sister, Shirley Jean; and his brother, Jerry Jim. He is survied by two sisters, Judy (Evan) Taylor of Sturgis, and Karla (Larry) Wickwire of Aladdin, Wyo.; brother, Ron (Myrtle) Walgamuth of Pierre, S.D.; niece, Bradie; nephews, Rod, Bo, RJ, JR,Graham and Kolby; several great-nieces and nephews; and his extended family, including Janet Carlson, Lynn Moran and Scott Shaw. Private services were held in Denver. At Randy’s request, a celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Canyon Lake Resort, 2720 Chapel Lane, in Rapid City. In remembrance and celebration of Randy, the family invites attendees to wear something blue, his favorite color.