Randy Werner Burbach, age 71, of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on October 29th, 2022. After a long fought battle with Frontotemporal Dementia, the Lord called him home.
He was born on April 11, 1951 in the middle of a blizzard in Yankton, SD to Reiny and Martha Burbach. He was the third of six children and known by his grandmother as her “M&M boy” due to his frequent stops at her house after school for the candy. Randy’s early years were joyfully spent in Hartington, NE surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He often spoke of this fun, carefree time in his life. The family moved to North Platte in the early 1960’s. At that time, Randy joined one of the largest classes at McDaid elementary. Lifelong friendships were created here and during his tenure at North Platte Catholic Schools. Many shenanigans were had during his time at school but Randy proudly graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1969. Randy continued to be a supporter of North Platte Catholic Schools and was an enthusiastic Irish fan, frequently found at sporting events.
Randy was the swiss army knife of men. Utilizing his Business degree from Kearney State College, Randy opened a tax accounting firm and was successful in that endeavor for many years. His primary occupation was as an Engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad where he created ever lasting friendships in that profession. Finding somehow more time to spare, Randy kept real estate around the city and had many other entrepreneurial quests.
Randy’s greatest passion in life, though, was his family. He married Denise Prindle on November 28th 1981, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in North Platte. They were fortunate to have two beautiful, successful daughters - Kay and Ann. Randy taught them to shoot a gun, fish, hunt, tie shoes, respect others, save money, and put God first. They had many adventures in life and are so thankful to have been Randy’s family. His tenacity for life, patience for little but heart so open to all truly created a bedrock for a wonderful life.
Randy was known for his ability to welcome anyone into his life and circle of friends as he was a stranger to no one. His early years were spent hunting and fishing with friends and family. As his family grew, he became their biggest supporter by coaching or cheering on the sides. He was competitive in his gardening and could be found trimming the perfect hedge, tending to the reddest tomato, and edging his well manicured lawn.
Randy retired from the railroad in 2011 but didn’t slow down. Instead he filled his time working on the family acreage by planting trees, clearing pastures of cedar trees, fixing fences, and working with his dirt moving toys. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed many golf trips with his wife and friends. Randy prioritized travel and his family gained countless friends and lifetime memories during those excursions. No Randy Burbach event was ever small or boring: he loved to be around friends and family. You could find him planning for a good time whether it be fishing, four-wheeling, concerts, cheering at Husker games, or just a good time at the Platte. Randy’s excitement was contagious! He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Church, Moose Lodge, Narve, Athletic Club, BLET where he served as treasurer for several years, UP Employees Club, and a member of a one-of-a-kind men’s golf group.
Randy is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Denise, of Omaha, NE; daughters Kay (Kelly) Burbach, of Lincoln, NE, Ann (Chad) Grunewaldt, of Vermillion, SD; granddaughters Emma Braswell and soon to be born baby girl Grunewaldt; grandsons Turner and Axton; his father Reiny Burbach; his siblings Bill (Sue) Burbach, Rosemary (Ron) Jones, Kevin (Denise) Burbach, Karlene (Dave) Hoedel; Brother-in-law Del Prindle (Phyllis), and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Randy joins his mother Martha, sister Barb and her husband Jim Waldschmidt; his mother-in-law Bessie and father-in-laws Jim and Walt. Randy was a devout Catholic and compassionately shared his belief with others. In keeping with his desires, any memorials should be directed to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment, to the family for donation to a frontotemporal dementia prevention organization, or a charity of your choosing in Randy’s name.
Visitation will be 9:00 - 3:00p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. A Rosary will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Family will receive visitors before the service. Catholic funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Sagar officiating. There will be a luncheon following in the Hall. Thursday from 2:00 - 4:00 we would also invite friends and family to a celebration of Randy’s life at the Lake Maloney Golf Course Clubhouse. Please join us to fondly remember all that Randy was: stubborn, smart, ornery, and the best dad and husband a girl could ask for.
Inurnment will be at the Holy Spirit Columbarium. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For those who are unable to attend the service will be live streamed on our website at www.adamsswanson.com