Funeral Services for Randall John Ehlers, age 70 of Amelia, will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday, August 8, 2016, at Faith Community Church in O'Neill, with a lunch to follow.

A Private Family Burial will be prior to the funeral at the Chambers Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, August 7, 2016, from 5-8 P.M., with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Randall passed away at his home on Friday, July 29, 2016. Memorials may be made to the Holt County Fair or to the Veteran's Homestead Memorial Park in care of Chambers American Legion.

Randall John Ehlers was born on November 22, 1946, to Fred and Sylvia Ehlers of rural Fort Calhoun, NE. He graduated in 1964 and joined the Marine Corps Reserves, serving from 1964 to 1970. After returning home from boot camp, Randy and his dad, Fred, formed a 50/50 partnership that lasted almost 40 years.

Randy met the love of his life, Kathy Walsh, at a dance in 1966, and they married in September of 1968. Their son Matt was born in 1972, and several months later Randy and Fred bought some pasture land southwest of Chambers. Soon after, in 1974, they bought the place where Randy would spend the rest of his life ranching and raising a family. His daughters, Jill and Carissa were born in 1975 and 1983. Randy involved his three children in ranch work from an early age, teaching them the meaning of hard work, integrity, and faith in Jesus Christ.

Randy served on the Amelia School Board and was a long time member of the Sandhill's Cattle Association. He served on the Camp Witness Board, and as an elder of the Faith Community Church, each for 17 years.

Randy truly enjoyed ranch life. He liked caring for his livestock, servicing his equipment, and tinkering in his shop. His patience allowed him to enjoy even the most repetitive tasks, like fixing fence. He looked forward to making improvements to the ranch through various projects. Upon arrival, the ranch was bare, with virtually no winter protection for cattle. Randy immediately started planting trees. He and his family continued to plant and care for many new shelter belts over the years.

Through the years, Randy hired many kids to work in the hayfield, most of which had no prior work experience. Randy had a heart for teaching them work ethic, ranch skills, and life lessons that came about in everyday life. He held his ranch hands to high expectations, but was patient and persistent in mentoring them through breakdowns, accidents, and the other inevitable failures that came from learning new skills on the ranch.

In 2009, Randy was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In April of 2015, at Mayo Clinic, the family learned that he instead had Lewy body dementia, which often is misdiagnosed as Parkinson's due to its mirroring characteristics. Doctors continually asked if Randy was angry or difficult and when his family said "no", they always commented on what a rarity it was for his disease. When his ability to mentally and physically manage his behavior was gone, it became apparent that the spiritual strength remained. Even when he had lost almost all ability to communicate, a "thank you" or "I love you" could most often be discerned. On July 29, 2016, with his wife, children (and spouses), and grandchildren at his side, Randy left his earthly home and entered into eternity with his Savior.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy, children; Matt Ehlers, wife Heidi and their children Brooke, Wyatt, Abby, Jeb & Jake, all of Amelia; Jill Ballard, husband Kyle and their children Lane, Chase & Claire, all of Ashland, NE; Carissa Konrad, husband Nick and their children Lincoln, London, Hollynn & Brynnlin, all of Atkinson; and one sister Kristi Murphy and husband Dennis of Atkinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Sylvia Ehlers.