Randy R. Laufenberg, age 72, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on February 1, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Randy’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Randy’s family.

Randy was born on October 11, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Roy M. and Jeanette E. (Pfeiffer) Laufenberg.  He was raised with a strong work ethic in conjunction with an unwavering moral compass.  His word was his bond and he found great pride in living out his years as such.  Randy was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and immediately signed up to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army from 1970-1973 during the Vietnam War.  Upon returning home, Randy trained as a welder which led him to employment at John Deere Dubuque Works.  He also spent time employed at Younkers and Key City Moving, then retired from Mi-T-M as a welder. 

Randy was blessed with a full life outside of work as well and found numerous ways to spend his free-time.  At the age of 4, Randy discovered his love for motorcycles and spent countless hours throughout the years burning up miles and touring on his Goldwing with his boys and best friend, Terry right by his side.  They made many trips to Colorado and were always up for local runs whenever possible.  Randy was also a gifted musician who played guitar in several bands in his high school years and always treasured the garage band days where all were invited to enjoy some good music.  He also spent many early morning hours fishing with his dad, sons and grandchildren.  But, for those who truly knew and loved Randy, his greatest joy was found in the  title of “Grandpa.” He also had a love for canines and always had one by his side throughout the years.  Randy was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who strived to play each role to the best of his abilities and continually reaffirm that those he loved and adored knew it was so. 

It’s beyond difficult to process the sudden absence of Randy’s love and light from our physical lives, but we know that he was tired of fighting his earthly battles over these recent years and only wanted peace where it could be found.  Thank you, Randy, for never giving up when you were on the right track, for listening more than talking when appropriate, and for leading by example in your words, thoughts, and actions in such a manner that your legacy will be clearly felt and seen in the generations you leave behind now.  We pray that the Lord will provide the comfort we seek while granting Randy the peace he deserves, and may the abundance of wonderful memories we possess hold us securely until we can all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Randy include,

his beautiful wife of 27 years,

Victoria “Vicky” (Johnson) Laufenberg, Dubuque, IA;

his sons,

Jason (Amanda) Laufenberg,

and Kyle (Amber) Laufenberg, both of Dubuque;

his step-sons,

Ed (Jenifer) Pickel, St. Donatus, IA,

and Tony Pickel, Peosta, IA;

his five adored grandchildren,

Kelsey, Luke, Carter, and Layne Laufenberg, and Avery Pickel;

his two sisters,

Linda (Jan) Scott, Dubuque,

and Lori (Dick) Launspach, Sherrill, IA;

his nieces and nephews,

Jared (Angie) Wolfe, Dubuque,

J.W. (Angelia) Henslee, Dubuque,

Dana (Tyler) McAtee, Peosta,

Miles Launspach, Madison, WI,

Sarah (Ben) Biver, Dubuque,

and Katie (Josh) Malli, Northwood, IA;

his great-nieces and nephews,

Connor Wolfe, Lincoln and Everley Henslee, Emma, Bo, and Olivia McAtee, Jacob, Sean and Derek Biver, and Olivia Lang;

his sister-in-law,

Kathy (Steve) Jaeger, Dubuque;

his brother-in-law,

Ron Johnson, Dubuque;

his best friend,

Terry (Linda) Weidemann, Dubuque;

his ex-wife,

Cindy Stuart, Dubuque;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Bill and Beverly White; his brother-in-law, Jay Johnson; and his great-nephew, Bradley Schmitt.

Randy’s family would like to thank Dr. Ram, Dr. Johnston at UIHC, nurse Sarah in the ICU at Mercy, and the Dubuque Fire Department for all of their professional and compassionate care of Randy and his family during his last moments with us.  Your kindness and gentleness helped to bring a little peace into our hearts and minds during a very difficult time and for that we are forever grateful.

Online condolences may be shared with Randy’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com