Randy Austin

Randy Austin, age 71 of Belle Fourche, died Monday, October 7, 2024 at his home, following a very sudden cardiac event.

The funeral service will be held 10:30am Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at the Belle Fourche Global Methodist Church. Visitation will take place 5 to 7pm Monday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Interment will be in Pine Slope Cemetery.

Randy Carol Austin was born August 24, 1953 in Tioga, North Dakota. He was the son of Carol and Jayne (Graham) Austin. Randy graduated from high school in 1971, in Baker Montana and following he moved to Billings Montana where he attended college to learn about Mechanics. After working as a mechanic in Billilngs, Randy moved to Belle Fourche in 1976, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Halliburton’s. Randy also worked with his father in a back-hoe business for a period of time. In 1979 he began working for American Colloid, retiring after 38 years, in 2016. On September 29, 1984, Randy was united in marriage to Janelle Ollila in Nisland. Together they were blessed with 40 years of marriage. 

Randy always had a dream of raising sheep, and having a few horses. In his younger years in North Dakota, he broke horses.  Spending time on the farm near Orman Dam was one of his favorite things to do. In the early 1980's, he was an EMT for a few years.  As a father, Randy was tough and firm, but when the grandchildren started showing up he mellowed and became a much sweeter man. Those grandchildren changed his life in many ways. His heart was full of pride and love for all of them. The interests they had, would interest him. If there was a recital to go to, Randy would be there. The same was true for any sporting or school event. He was always there for them, and enjoyed giving them cowboy boots, Minnesota Vikings clothing, and the always said he was going to get them each a horse someday. Attending the rodeo at the Black Hills Roundup, every Fourth of July, was always a memory maker for the family. Randy was a life-long fan of the Vikings. His partner in life was his wife, Janelle, whom he loved very much. He loved his children, grandchildren, and his dog named “Bow”. Randy will be greatly missed.

Randy is survived by his wife, Janelle; children, Brandon (Misty) Austin of Gillette WY, Vanessa Austin of St. Paul MN, Benjaman (Rebekah) Austin of Vadnais Heights MN, Valerie Austin of Belle Fourche; 6 grandchildren, Brooke, Amber, LouElla, Logan, Everly, and Zoey; 1 brother, Donovan Austin of Woodward OK; 1 sister, Laurene (Randy) Danner of OK; 8 nieces; and 4 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Theresa Dunkerson.

Service of Celebration

10:30 A.M. – Tuesday – October 15, 2024

Belle Fourche Global Methodist Church

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Officiant

Pastor Sheri Fadley

Special Music

Cong. Hymn - “Old Rugged Cross”’

Cong Hymn - “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Paula Speidel, organist

“Farther Along”, "Sweet By and By"

Jack Ward and Debra Leverington, vocalists

Scripture Reading

Ben Austin 

Casketbearers

Amber Austin Ben Austin Brandon Austin Brooke Austin Donovan Austin Logan Gleason LouElla Gleason

Interment

Pine Slope Cemetery

Belle Fourche, South Dakota