Randy "Red" Andrews

Randy “Red” Andrews, 59, passed away on March 7, 2025, after a short, yet courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Celebration of life services will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:00 am at Bismarck Community Church. Family will be receiving friends Wednesday from 5-7 at Bismarck Funeral Home.  Bismarck Community Church will be livestreaming the service. 

Born on October 13, 1965, to Clarence and Yvonne (Benske) Andrews, Randy grew up in Bismarck attending Jeanette Myhre Elementary, Wachter Junior High, and graduating from Bismarck High School.

In his early years, Randy held many jobs, often joking that one year he had more W-2s than Christmas cards. In April of 2001, he found his place at GFG, now US Foods, where he worked nights for nearly 24 years. When asked why he preferred nights, he’d grin and say, “I have every day off.” He was proud to work for US Foods, always appreciating the company for taking care of him and his family. Even during his illness, he was always interested in what the case counts were and often texting and calling his supervisor Brian, who Randy referred to as his “work brother.” A work friendship that spanned over 23 years. In 2017, he earned the chance to compete in the US Foods National Truck Rodeo in San Diego - his first commercial flight and one of the best trips of his life.

In May of 1994, Randy met Robyn, the love of his life, as he would often say. They married on October 10, 1997, a date Father Richter humorously noted as unusual for a hunter, opening day of pheasant season.

Randy’s greatest joy arrived in January of 2004 with the birth of his daughter, Sierra, his “sunshine.” He embraced fatherhood with all of his heart. One summer, when Sierra was four, he promised to take her to every park in Bismarck and during his vacation that year, he did just that. Even during his illness, he never missed an opportunity to brag about her, beaming with pride as she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse at NDSU.

A lifelong animal lover, Randy adored his German Shepherds, Butch and Chance. Though Robyn had tried for several years to bring a cat into the home, it was two-year-old Sierra who finally won him over, and soon Angel the kitten became part of the family. Later, Trigger, Randy’s loyal feline companion, joined them, greeting him at the door every morning after work and learning tricks like shaking his paw just to earn his favorite treats.

To his nieces and nephews, Randy was the fun loving “Uncle Red,” always up for a trip to the park or a playful tug on a niece’s pigtail. He treasured time spent with family; Friday coffee clubs with his mom, hunting trips with his brother Monte, and visits to the Magilke Ranch to see his “other brother” Cowboy Monte. He also cherished Friday nights at The Shop, where he could relax with his friends and listen to his favorite music.

Music, cleaning and organization were some of Randy’s hobbies. Everything in his garage and shop had its place, and Saturdays were often spent out in the garage listening to his favorite artists Shania Twain and Motley Crue. In November of 2023, he and Sierra saw Shania Twain perform in Fargo and just last July, he and Monte attended a Motley Crue concert at the State Fair; both experiences he described as some of the best days of his life.

Randy was previously involved with the Mandan Jaycees assisting with the Mandan Parade, Rodeo and Derby. He was also a longtime volunteer for the spring Big Muddy Fishing Tournament and, more recently, for Furry Friends Rock’n Rescue, helping Robyn with the cats or walking dogs.

Randy is survived by his wife of 27 years, Robyn; his daughter Sierra (Jimmy Herrington), his mother, Yvonne Andrews; his sister Janice (Mark) Koeser; his brother, Monte (Carmen) Andrews; his mother-in-law Sharon Hogue, sister-in-law Tammy (Monte) Magilke, brother-in-law Randy (Darla) Hogue as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews and his furry “kids” Fern, Betty & Ozzy.

Waiting to welcome him in heaven are his father, Clarence Andrews; his father-in-law, Robert Hogue, his grandparents; many aunts and uncles; and his cherished pets, Butch, Chance, Angel and Trigger.

A good friend told us that cancer can be a lonely journey. We are grateful for the friends and family that helped us. There were people that dropped off meals, treats, gift cards, picked up groceries and offered financial help. We were overwhelmed with the kindness and support. We are also grateful to Robyn’s co-workers and managers at Maple View Memory Care, who’s support allowed her to be at Randy’s side in his final weeks. Even as we grieve, we hold onto the question we still ask: Why? And the only answer we’ve ever been given is “The good die young.”

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Pastor Jim and Bismarck Community Church for embracing Randy and his family with love and support during this time. We are also deeply grateful to Sanford Hospice for their compassionate care of both Randy and our family.

To honor Randy’s wishes, he was laid to rest in his NDSU gear. If you have NDSU attire, please wear it to his service in tribute to a life well-lived and deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Furry Friends Rock’n Rescue, PO Box 7364, Bismarck 58504 in Randy’s name.

#TougherThanTheRest