Randy Pruessner

Billy R. (Randy) Pruessner, 76, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Hospital, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Randy was born in Clinton, MO, on November 21, 1948, to Billy and Doris Pruessner. The family moved to Roeland Park, KS, in 1961. He graduated from SM North High School in 1966 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve for six years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from UMKC in 1973.

Randy worked as a social worker in Kansas City, KS, before moving on to a sales role at Coca-Cola Foods. He later joined Mid Central Sysco, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2011. Not one to stay idle, he worked part-time at Osage Marketing until 2020, and most recently served as a crossing guard in Lenexa, KS. 

 Randy met the “wife of his life” at Allen’s Drive-In in 1968.  They were married on July 28, 1972, despite parental doubts and being too young, clueless, and broke… the marriage endured nearly 53 years.He was blessed with a daughter Valerie ( the apple of his eye) in 1986, and a grandson, Brooks, in 2024.

 Over the years, Randy enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing golf, and more recently, discovering the sport of pickleball. A lifelong Royals fan, he attended many games, including spring training, and loved visiting ballparks wherever he traveled. He was thrilled to have a new grandson and looked forward to taking him to the ballpark. Randy was also a dedicated Chiefs and KU basketball fan, but when Valerie attended K-State, he embraced their teams as well.

Anyone who knew Randy could attest that his presence was never boring. His laughter and quirky, sarcastic sense of humor will be dearly missed. He had a loving and kind heart, which made him a soft touch. As a husband, he indulged his wife, and they shared countless good times together including plays, trips, concerts and happy hours. As a father, he brought a sense of fun that created a special bond with Valerie, often keeping Nancy on her toes with their antics.

 Randy embraced the Catholic faith later in life, being baptized in November of 2017, a decision that brought him peace and comfort. Throughout his life, he found joy in his family, friends (both two-legged and four), his faith, and especially his good friend and daughter.

 Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Doris Pruessner; his sister, Denise Meyer; and his in-laws, John and Mary Baker. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Baker); his daughter, Valerie (Brandon) Rose; his grandson, Brooks Rose; his sister, Debby Pruessner; his sister-in-law, Peggy Galvin; his brothers-in-law, John (Beth) Baker and Tom (Jane) Baker; an uncle, Juddie Bernard; an aunt,Bernie Pelfrey, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a worthy cause that supports either humans or animals, as Randy contributed to them all.

 A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 25 2025 at 9:30, followed by Rosary, and Funeral mass at 10:30 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 13615 W 92ND St, Lenexa, KS 66215. Randy will be privately interred at a later date at Columbine Cemetery in Edgerton, KS.

 “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard……” Winnie The Pooh