Randy Joseph Morris, 49, of Albert Lea, Minn., passed away Dec. 29, 2012, as a result of a fatal head-on automobile accident in route to visit family in Arizona.

Randy was born to Kenneth and Verlie (Ernster) Morris on June 23, 1963, in Denver, Colo. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1981, and went on to gain his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota–St. Paul. After graduating, Randy took a job with Land-O-Lakes and was employed in the field of swine nutrition for the next 26 years. He most recently worked in conjunction with Northern Country Feeds in Adams, Minn., managing their feed sales division. Randy was an avid livestock enthusiast, with the swine industry being one of his life’s true passions. He was on the livestock judging team at the University of Minnesota and went on to own his own show pig operation. Through his passion for livestock, he positively impacted the lives of countless young people and will leave a legacy in the Minnesota livestock industry.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, and was married to his wife, Leanne (Walter), for 29 years. On April 14, 1987, Randy and Leanne welcomed their only child, Justin Morris into the world. Randy cherished the relationship with his son as they enjoyed a mutual passion for family, livestock and sports. Randy will forever be remembered for his honesty, integrity and work ethic, but most importantly, he always put family first. His infectious smile and unique sense of humor will be dearly missed.

Randy is survived by his wife Leanne Morris; son Justin Morris of Mankato, Minn.; father Kenneth Morris of Austin, Minn.; sister Renee Hacker of Rochester, Minn.; sister and brother-in-laws Paul and Ann Walter of Lyle, Minn.; Cindy and Michael Schubert of Brownsdale, Minn.; Joe and Teresa Bartholomew of Lyle; Shawn and Kathy Davis of Lyle; Brad and Tara Walter of Lyle, Minn.; father and mother-in-law Bernard and Dorothy Walter of Lyle; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Verlie Morris; grandparents George and Mary Morris; Otto and Mary Ernster.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 11 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin from 6 to 8 p.m., starting with a Rosary at 6 p.m. An additional visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 12 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin at 12:30 p.m., with service of Mass beginning at 1:30 p.m.