Randy Lettow

Randy Lettow was an honest and hard working man, dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. He was a man who desired little and was quite content in relaxing within the comfort of his own home. Randy found happiness in many things, but nothing delighted him as much as spending time with his family and precious granddaughter.

The 1950s were an exciting decade in our nation’s history. It was during this time that America strode confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was in these times of progress that Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll.

Randy Carl Lettow was born into these changing times on April 23, 1955, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Max and Mary (Meisling) Lettow. The second of three Lettow boys, Randy was the “rough and tumble” one who seemed to always get hurt or end up in the Emergency Room. All boy, he excelled in many different sports, including football and basketball, which he played in middle school, and baseball; he played first baseman from Little League through Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Baseball was truly one of Randy’s great passions; so much so, he had a fantasy baseball team called “Lettow’s Legion.”

After graduating from Loy Norrix High School in 1973, Randy went on to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. During this time, Randy stayed active in sports on the City basketball team, and even broke his jaw once while playing. After college, he took a job at Stryker Corp. for over 12 years before going to work for Ronningen-Petter. However, after Eaton Corp. took over the company, they downsized and eliminated his position. He then started a new chapter by going to work at Fabri-Kal Corporation, where he was still working as of current. Through all his years of employment he was a dedicated worker and touched so many lives, resulting in many lifelong friends.

In 1976, Randy was set up on a blind date with Cheryl Decker, and they enjoyed a great evening together at an America concert. Cheryl’s brother could tell right away that the two of them were right for each other which was confirmed by Randy’s two mile hike in the snow storm of 1978 just to see Cheryl. It wasn’t long before wedding bells were ringing. Randy and Cheryl were happily married on September 30, 1978. Love has never been so profound between two people who were not only the best of friends, but an example of what true love should be. Together the couple had three wonderful children: Samantha, Sarah and Mitch. Randy was a devoted father, and a big support to his children in all their school and sport activities. He enjoyed being a sideline coach whenever his son, Mitch, was playing soccer, though sometimes to his wife’s dismay. For many years, Randy, Cheryl and their family attended church, where Randy also participated on the church basketball team.

Outside of basketball and baseball, Randy also enjoyed the sport of being an outdoorsman. He learned to deer hunt from his father, and enjoyed and anticipated yearly outings with his father-in-law Jack and his brother-in-law, Dean and later on extended to include Randy’s son Mitch & nephew Corbin at their family cabin on Lake Gogebic, Michigan’s largest inland lake. Randy and Cheryl lived on Pickerel Lake, which was great for fishing – though Randy was better known as a “fair weather fisherman.” When he wasn’t enjoying the water, Randy liked to head out for a bike ride or walk his two beloved Springer Spaniels, Maggie and Shelby. Randy and Mitch had a mutual love for the outdoors and Randy never passed up a chance to spend time hiking and enjoying nature with his best “Buddy”. For some time, he also played on several golfing and bowling leagues, and was an avid collector of antiques, baseball cards and toys.

Although Randy was a quiet, unassuming man, he had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh that endeared him to everyone. He spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving and devoted husband, father and doting grandfather to his granddaughter, Ava, who he affectionately called his “Ava K.” Randy’s greatest joy was found in his family, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for any of them. Friends and family will remember Randy not for the things he did, but for the reason he did them. His presence in the world will be greatly missed, but the memories he created with his family and friends will be forever remembered.

Randy Lettow, age 53 of Scotts, MI died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Visit with his family on Sunday, April 27, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. Members of Randy’s family include his wife, Cheryl; his children: Samantha (Nick) DeRyke, Sarah Lettow, Mitch Lettow; his granddaughter, Ava DeRyke; his parents, Max & Mary Lettow; his brothers, Mark (Barb) Lettow and Gary (Kathy) Lettow, mother-in-law & father-in-law Jack & Jane Decker, brother-in-law Dean (Dawnn) Decker, many nieces & nephews and other relatives & friends.. Please visit Randy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Kalamazoo Nature Center towards a memorial bench in Randy’s name.