Randall J. Grathen

Randy Grathen walked into the arms of Jesus on the morning of May 26, 2026. His wife, Laurie, was at his side as he peacefully drew his last earthly breath. Randy’s battle with cancer was blessedly short and relatively pain-free.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Richard Grathen and Carole Glawe Grathen, 6 blocks from Lambeau Field, Randy was a life-long Packers fan and owned 1 share of the team. He joined the US Air Force in 1972, retiring in 1994. One of his favorite military adventures was the 3 years he spent on Guam doing atmospheric research flying into typhoons.

Randy’s faith and deep love of Jesus carried him through life’s journeys and difficulties with grace and peace. He strove to be a man after God’s own heart.

He was a talented and clever writer, inventor, grill master, everything fixer, and friend. He loved people and people loved him back. He had the ability to make each person he interacted with feel like they were the most important thing in his world at the moment.

When Randy retired he started the website, OurHighPlaces.com, to provide an on-line place for people to tell the stories of God’s faithfulness in their lives. It is his greatest legacy.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 24, 2026 at 6 pm at Heartland Worship Center, Camdenton, Missouri. Internment, with military honors, will be in the Sarasota National Cemetery in August 2026, date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, food or monetary gifts, please consider making a donation in his name to Southwest Florida Honor Flight. Randy joined his mother, father and brother, Rick, in heaven. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage last December. Also surviving are 5 siblings, Kristine (Gary) Barnes, Lynn (David) Trickle, Terri (Frank) Lyss, Scott (Laura) Grathen, Mark Grathen. Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews will miss him.