Randy Lee Terwilliger

Randy Lee Terwilliger passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and all the love in the world, just the way he wanted, on April 6, 2023.

Randy was born on Monday, May 12, 1952 to parents John and Alice (Madson) Terwilliger. He was the second of four rambunctious boys – Doug, Randy, David, and John. His father had two children from a previous marriage, as well – Roger and Janet. He spent his childhood in Humboldt, Iowa, and was always so proud to be one of the infamous Terwilliger boys. His mom certainly had her work cut out for her. Randy graduated from Humboldt High School in 1970.

On April 17, 1971, he married the love of his life, Janice Kay Parrish at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He always said he loved her before she even knew who he was. They made their home in Eagle Grove, Iowa, and he spent the next nearly fifty-two years by her side. What they wanted most in life were children, but they struggled with infertility. In 1979, they were blessed with their first daughter, Stacy Lynne, by the gift of adoption. In 1982, they welcomed Ryan Lee through adoption, as well, and they were certain their family was complete. In 1987, they were shocked to find out they were pregnant, and in December, Ashley Alice completed their family.

In 1972, he began employment with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad that was later purchased by the Union Pacific Railroad. He met many of his lifelong friends on the railroad and was so proud to be a conductor for 34 years. He retired in 2006 after being involved in a train collision. He remained “railroad tough” until his last breath.

Randy was an avid Eagle Grove Eagle, Iowa Hawkeye, Dallas Cowboy, and Chicago Cub fan. When he wasn’t on the train, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and golfing. He loved to watch the harness races. He was the best joke and storyteller around. Randy was proud of many things in his seventy years earthside, but his self-proclaimed greatest accomplishment in life was his family. When his whole family was together, he would look at Jan and say, “Can you believe we created this?” He loved his wife and children dearly, but the true loves in his life were his six grandbabies—they were his favorite people in the world.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Alice Terwilliger; parents-in-law, Kenneth and Freda Parrish; brother Doug Terwilliger; half-brother, Roger Terwilliger; and brothers-in-law Jim Slauson and Michael Parrish. There is certainly a celebration in heaven today.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jan Terwilliger; children Stacy Terwilliger of Eagle Grove, Ryan (Amy) Terwilliger of Eagle Grove, and Ashley (Kurt) Wilkinson of Sheffield; grandbabies Paxtyn, Aidryk, Payton, Dylan, Huxley, and Kove; step-grandchildren Cole, Jared, Hannah, Marisa, and Maura; sister, Janet; brothers, David and John (Dennise) Terwilliger; sisters-in-law, Diane Terwilliger, Carol Slauson and Melody (Dale) Pletsch and so many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, April 10 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary/Vigil service at 3:15 p.m. at Foust Funeral Home ~ in support of Randy’s love for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the family encourages you to wear Hawkeye apparel!  Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at Foust Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. 

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