On the morning of Saturday, January 7, 2017, Rand passed away on his property in Lincoln, Montana, because of natural causes. Rand was 62 years old.
Rand Koerper was born in Great Falls, MT, on November 5, 1954. He was the oldest son of Rocky and Margery Koerper and brother to April (Buchholz).
During his childhood, Rand grew up in Kalispell, MT, and from there moved with his family to help run his father’s ranch in Denton, MT. He graduated from Denton High School in 1973.
After spending time logging in Washington, Rand moved back to Montana and his two sons, Gabriel and Benjamin, were born in Miles City. Rand raised his two sons in Rosebud as he worked as an equipment operator for Rosebud County. On October 20, 1990, Rand married Lin (Cory) Koerper and she became a mother to Gabe and Ben.
In 1993, Rand moved his family to Spring Creek, NV, to work at the Barrick Gold Strike mine. This move was in hopes to provide a better lifestyle for his family. While in Nevada, Rand, Lin, and their boys enjoyed being involved in basketball. Rand was proud that his boys played the sport he loved while giving him an opportunity to coach as well.
In 1999, Rand and Lin moved back to their home in Rosebud, MT. For a year, Rand worked hard to build on the Rosebud place. He fully enjoyed being a handyman and craftsman, doing all his own projects and construction.
In the following years, Rand worked as an equipment operator at the coal mines in Gillette, WY. During this time, he would spend his working days living in a fifth wheel camper in Gillette and traveling home to Rosebud, MT, on his days off. He continued to do this for over 12 years until he retired in 2016 and moved to his dream property in Lincoln, MT. Here, he spent his last days building a cabin.
Throughout Rand’s life, he was known by everyone for his genius to create and fix problems. He was a true artist and delved into bronzing, carving, drawing, carpentry/woodwork, welding, and working on old cars, just to name a few. He was very meticulous in everything he did.
Some of the fondest memories that Rand’s family cherished were going camping and fishing, and Rand’s passion for dog sledding. During the last 5 years, Rand loved to spend time with Gabe and Benny, archery hunting for elk in the Big Horn Mountains.
Rand was preceded in death by his father Neal “Rocky” Koerper and his mother Margery (Benz) Koerper. He is survived by his wife of 24 years Lin Koerper; his two sons Gabe (Julie) Koerper and Benny (Salina) Koerper. Rand is also survived by his sister April (Kelly) Buchholz and his 7 grandkids: Darren, Evan, Landon, Mason, Gabryella (Gabe and Julie) and Brettlinn and Porter (Ben and Salina).
Billie Thorton says
I love you forever Uncle! I will miss you dearly but I know I will see you again. I pray for strength and peace for Gabe and Ben and their families.
Fallon says
I love you so much Uncle! You meant the world to me! We always shared that special bond. You will be missed so much. Prayers for your family!!
Juell Drietz says
Love you Forever Uncle! You are forever in our hearts and your memory will always be cherished in our house!
John Beierle says
Rand was a great person and friend, enjoyed playing ball with him as well as hunting and the occasional party! He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Good luck to you Rand as you continue to look over us all from your great hunting grounds in Heaven! JB
COLETTE says
I HAVE SOME VERY FOND MEMORIES OF RAND ..BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE. MY DEEPEST OF SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY IN WHICH IM SURE WILL MISS HIM DEARLY!
Elaine Badley says
Long years and miles never really separate family. No matter what. Lots of love sent to everyone who loved Rand and their were many. We will all miss a world without him.
Laura Lee Beeler says
Rand was such a great person. He brightened your day when he would visit…he could sure tell a good story. He was such a positive upbeat person., a true delight.
My thoughts and prayers go to his children and family(s). Having lost my own father 20 years ago, I can well-understand the depth of your loss.
Aprill Buchholz says
I wish there were words to ease your pain and sorrow – I know there are none…
When someone you love goes to heaven you are left with memories – those memories become your treasures. Thank you brother for all the wonderful treasures. You will always be in our hearts – We love you!
Lin, Gabe, Ben and Families, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you for now and always.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Lin, Gabe, Ben and families, Sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for you.
Eleanor Benz says
I first met Rand when I married his uncle Forrest Benz. We lived in Kalispell when his family lived here – our children and Rand were able to spend time together – like the time when our son Ed and Rand were standing across from each other with a small water puddle between and were skipping rocks across the water when one rock hit Ed on the head. Good thing they were just throwing rocks and not something more serious.
Jeremey Harms says
I know that there are not enough words to say hiw much this will be missed. Randy may have only been part of my life for a short period of time but, he had a lasting effect on it. He always welcomed my family and I growing up and I have never forgotten that. Hugs and prayers to you Lin, Gabe, Benny and your families. You are and will always be family to me.
JoAnn Lange says
So sorry for your loss. Peace & prayers to you all.
Rocky & Carol Plympton says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. God’s ways are a mystery, but heaven is real and it’s so much better then here. That’s all I know. But we are lifting you up before the Lord asking Him to hold you tightly. If you need anything, please let us know. Love to all.
Ken Treib says
I’m so sorry for your loss. God Bless the family.
Harriet and Veryl Jansen says
Rand Koerper Family, Was saddened to hear of the passing of your husband and dad. I use to carry mail for your family when you lived at Cartersville. Will be unable to attend the funeral as we are in AZ but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at the sad time. Harriet (Sleaford) & Veryl Jansen.
Kim Suzuki says
April, Lin, Gabe and Ben – A light has gone out in our universe that burned with a fierce determination to overcome the darkness. Maybe it even burned so brightly at times that loved ones were hurt by it. I was on its outer circle where there was only the warmth of getting re-acquainted after not seeing or knowing each other for the past 40 years, in spite of us being cousins. I’m deeply saddened that there was not enough time for us to learn more about each other, our families and our hopes and dreams.
Take care of each other. Preserve the best pieces of light that you have inherited from Rand. Cherish the best memories. We will be with him again. Kim Koerper Suzuki
Sandi Kohones says
Lin and family , I am so sorry for your loss.
Doris Hough says
Lin, Gabe and Ben, so sorry to hear about Rand. We are thinking about you and holding you up before a healing God. Lots of sweet memories.
Tom Schulke says
I first met Rand last summer 2016 and I am Rands neighbor in Lincoln MT. Over the last several months we got to know one another better and I think we both found that we had many things in common. I never had the opportunity to meet any of his family nor any of you who are close friends however a few days before Christmas, Rand wondered over to my property which borders his property, probably on a game trail as the snow was about 2′ deep. We spent the afternoon assembling a propane fireplace and sipping Crown Royal for a little holiday cheer! Unfortunately this is the last time I got to see him and I was looking forward to catching up with him after Christmas. To you family members and friends, I send you my deepest sympathy and prayers. I too will miss seeing him up there however just as much as I love that special place we shared as neighbors living amongst all the deer elk, moose, deer and bears, I have to believe that his spirit will be watching over…
God bless all of you!
emy says
You made me special even a shorter period of time. God knows how happy I am you came into my life…I can’t believe that you now in heaven. Now that you gone I feel alone again… I love you and I miss you my love my best friend!… I feel sorry because I am not in your side for the time you needed me!!! Please help me to accept this pain… A million thanks to you for making me special into your life!
Mary Childers says
Aprill and family, Lin,Gave,and Ben and family. Rand will be greatly missed . I knew Randy from being my neighbor , gradeschool, and being Aprill’s brother. If Aprill wasn’t at my house I was at hers. And being kids we always knew how to bug Randy. Randy had this look he gave you when you got under his skin. And after all this time I still see him standing in the kitchen giving us the eye. He was a Great Brother to Aprill and tried to keep us in line,yet he knew it was almost impossible.Years later Randy came back to Kalispell after he graduated in 1973, He stayed at my parents house and worked with my Dad in the woods. I was fortunate to connect with Aprill and Randy on face book several years ago.Seen his Beautiful drawings and we shared lots of stories Aprill, your brother never forgot the things he caught us at. We had a good laugh and it was great seeing Pics of each other’s family. Your all in my thoughts and prayers .
Joe & Ginger Weiss says
Linda and Family, we were so sorry to read of Rand’s passing. It seems unbelievable to have him gone. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ay your memories bring you comfort.
Bob Sweeney says
I knew Rand(y) at a very young age, when his family joined us in the West Valley area. We hit it off right away, both being big for our age, and interested in sports. His dad, Rocky, was so similar in appearance and personality that I looked up to him in a wee as well (except for the shaggy cows!). Haven’t been in touch for many years, my being in Texas for decades, but will always remember his big smile and friendship. God bless his family, and love to April…
Bob Sweeney
Jill Todd Waldbillig (DHS Class of 76) says
April and family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss-reading this brought back slot of high school memories of Rand and you and your parents. May all your memories bring you comfort.
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
Lin, I am so sorry to hear about Rand! Please know I’m thinking of you and your family and we do know he is with his Savior now! Love you! Phyllis
Lin Cory Koerper says
The Lord gives and The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of The Lord. Its so very hard to put into words how much someone means to you and even though the last couple of years were difficult I always hoped we would grow old together. I know you were looking for something and know now you are at peace. I don’t understand why things happen the way they do but trust God to carry all of us through this, knowing that You Lord, are in control of all of our comings and goings. Rand was so special in so many ways he will be missed by many. The memories we shared with Gabe and Benny and families and all others will be a lasting treasure that we will remember always. Go rest high on that mountain Rand, Love always and forever, Lin