George Allen Randel

George Allen Randel, 86, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 at Community Hospital in McCook. He was born in Red Willow County on Feb.10, 1923.

He graduated from McCook High School in 1940. Randel enlisted in the Navy in World War II, and served throughout the Pacific Theatre, including being stationed in Japan.

Randel was a lifelong farmer in Red Willow County. He was the grandson of southwest Nebraska pioneers George Frederick Randel and Louisa Wilhelmina Lange Randel. Along with other properties, Randel continued to farm the land his grandfather homesteaded in 1879, before McCook was established, on the banks of the Republican River near the Fairview Post Office. He was born in and lived much of his life in the house his grandparents built off what is now Ravenswood Road, and was a member of the First Congregational Church, McCook

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer C. Randel and Pearl Hollingshead Randel, and a sister, Margaret Louise Randel Cox. He is survived by a sister, Eleanor Randel Granum of Macon, Ga.; and two brothers, John C. Randel of Kearney, Neb., and and Leo R. Randel of Brookings, Ore., as well as three nieces and four nephews. Local relatives include second-cousins Ardis Randel Vukas and Stanley Randel.

Graveside services were held at Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook, at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 19. Memorial services followed at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church, The Reverend Steve Bales officiating, there was a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in his name to First Congregational Church, McCook. The family also wishes to express its deep appreciation to Jill Royse and Jerry Montey for their strong support of and assistance to their friend George Allen Randel in the last years of his life.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.