Randy D. Brackey, 47, of Albert Lea died following a brief illness on Thursday morning, Dec. 10, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
He was born on April 21, 1962, in Albert Lea, the son of Norris and Joyce E. (Mielke) Brackey.
Randy attended Albert Lea High School and then began working at the Ellendale Truck Plaza. It was here that he met his soulmate, Renae Otterson. They were married on his birthday, April 21, 1990, at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.
He had been an employee of Streater for more than 28 years.
Randy was passionate about fishing and his boat was his prize possession. He also enjoyed living on his acreage where he had a garden, raised animals and decorated with lights for the holidays.
In addition to fishing, he was an avid sports enthusiast enjoying hunting, participating in demolition derbys, playing softball and pool and was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics, the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings.
There are many special memories of going “Up North” to Grandma’s cabin, which was one of his favorite havens.
He will be greatly missed by his family: his wife, Renae; brother, Todd Brackey; grandma, Viola Bartz; step-dad, Donald Metcalfe, all of Albert Lea; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Charlene Otterson of Austin; sister’s and brother’s-in-law, Sharon (Gary) Fisher of Owatonna, Dean (Jolene) Otterson of Hartland, LeAnn (Ralph) Miller of Owatonna, Linda (Mark) Crom of Albert Lea, Lori (Matt) Jordison of Blooming Prairie; nieces and nephews, Travis Brackey, Billie Jo Hodak, Steven Brackey, Seth Brackey, Amber Brackey Nathaniel Fisher, Elizabeth Schmitz, Katie Jo (Chad) Elmer, Nicholas Otterson, Cathleen Miller, Matthew Miller, Andrea Crom, Christy Crom, Colin Jordison, Abby Joridson; several great-nieces and nephews; step-sisters, Catherine Metcalfe, Debra Metcalfe and Donna Flanders; aunts and uncles, Vernon Mielke, Marcia (Brian) Carlson, Claire (Phyllis) Brackey, Fern Cameron; and several aunts, uncles and cousins in his extended family; several God-children; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Norris Brackey; his mother, Joyce Brackey Metcalfe; brother, William “Bill” Brackey; godfather, Virgil Mielke; grandparents, Vernal Bartz and Alfred and Mabel Brackey; cousins, Josh Hoenisch and Kathy Brackey; and several aunts and uncles.
The Funeral Service for Randy D. Brackey will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 at Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Andrea Myer will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church.