Randall E Grotelueschen, 58, of Lincoln, passed away 6/8/20 after a very long, courageous battle with genetic, Li-Fraumeni cancer. Born 4/21/62 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was baptized at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs and confirmed in his faith at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln. Graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School where he lettered in swimming and track. He had a lifelong passion for learning and research, earning an Associate Degree in Human Services/Psychology from SCC, a Bachelor of Human Relations/Business minor and was working toward his masters in Family Life Education from UNL.
Randy’s career was spent working with at risk youth/offenders. He worked in various positions in education such as Educational Specialist for Nebraska Department of Correctional services, providing inmates with GED and college courses, testing and assessments, SCC Corrections Division GED testing Administrator for State Penitentiary and Lincoln Correctional Center. He worked as a Youth Treatment Specialist at Child Guidance Center, and as a Living Unit Coordinator and Youth Care Worker II/Unit Coordinator through Nebraska Department of Social Services and Lancaster Attention Center for Youth Juvenile Care Specialist. Randy developed programs for his clients to develop life skills to obtain employment and live independently.
Randy loved the outdoors from an early age. He had a zest for adventure, spending free time skiing, deep sea diving, 3 and 4 wheeling on the river with friends, camping, fishing, golfing, biking and hunting. He also had a love of music, especially Classic Rock and enjoyed an extensive cd collection as well as great concert stories and pictures. He was an excellent teacher, coach and story teller. Randy knew the Bible well and enjoyed discussing scripture and prayer with those around him.
Randy’s many skills included woodworking; he has many talented woodworkers in his family who contributed and he also honed his skills in middle and high school. He was a part of an Amish furniture manufacturing company, later developing his own very unique and creative style as he used wood working as a method to deal with pain. He saw beauty and potential in objects others passed over.
Randy did extensive research on Li-Fraumeni syndrome cancer which devastated his paternal family and his research was validated by local genetic oncologists. From a very early age, he participated in studies for the National Cancer Institute in Baltimore so his family could receive treatment. He was philanthropical when he had his brain biopsy, choosing an open craniotomy vs a less invasive procedure so that samples could be taken for his diagnosis as well as for future research.
Randy had a deep love for family and friends. Even at the end of his life, instead of focusing on himself, he had a great empathy for others. If able, he would gladly help someone in need instead of himself. He rarely complained and was extremely appreciative of any assistance he was given.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elroy Grotelueschen, Brothers Lee and Rodney (Roddy), Sister Cynthia Ann (Cindy), step father Arthur “Charlie” Gordon, step brother Michael Gordon, grandparents. He is survived by his mother Betty Gordon, step sister Carol Gordon (Steve Hardt), step brother Randy (Barb) Gordon, step sister in law Mary Gordon, close friends, step nephews and niece, cousins, aunts and uncles and his very devoted dog Roxy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wounded Warriors, Lincoln City Mission or donor’s choice.
Visitation: Roper and Sons Funeral Home 4300 O Street, Thursday 2-5pm
Services: Friday 1030am Christ Lutheran Church 4325 Sumner Street
Committal: Friday 3pm Roselawn Cemetary 2424 14th Street Columbus, NE