Randy Michael Darling

September 18, 1966 - July 24, 2018

The life of Randy Michael Darling was suddenly taken away, due to a motorcycle accident, on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. He was only 51 years of age and a resident of Jordan, MN. A time of gathering will be on Monday, July 30, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 104 West First Street, Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Tuesday, July 31 at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at Friendship Church 12800 Marystown Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor Michael Golay will preside. Pallbearers will be Ed Will, Scott Coster, Marlin Brule, Jake Crooks, Jimmy Maynard, Chris Darling, Dalton Bourdeaux and John Ostroviak. Randy will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 1, at 10:15am, with military honors provided by Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad. Randy was born on September 18, 1966, in Columbus, Ohio. His adventurous life and the love for the outdoors all began on the back roads in Huntington, West Virginia. Through the years, Randy had many adventures growing up with siblings, Paul Jr., Brenda, Jimmy, Mike, Chris and Tracy. He spent countless hours in the woods; hunting, taking walks, exploring the creeks and target practicing. It was in these same woods on November 14, 1970, that 75 passengers (players, coaches, trainers, directors and crew) perished in a plane crash from the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team. A film called, “We Are Marshall” was later produced in 2006. Following in his father’s footsteps, Randy always had a love for being a mechanic. He enjoyed helping his dad, Elvie working on cars and tinkering in the garage. In an effort to support his family, Randy enlisted into the United States Army in 1984. His duties took him all over the United States. Randy took his passion as a mechanic repairing helicopters. His love as a mechanic followed him after the army during his career, first working at Seagate Technology, followed by managing auto part stores, wrenching at dealerships and in recent years, working part time at Wolf Motor’s in Jordan. The last 17 years, Randy has dedicated his expertise working as a mechanic for Mystic Lake Casino. Randy married and from this union was blessed with two precious girls, Brittany and Laura. He later remarried, and his life was enriched once again. On September 30, 1995, Randy and Andrea Roble married in Spring Grove, MN. They were blessed with two children, Erin and Ryan. As a family, they enjoyed Randy’s passion of the outdoors, camping and talking around the campfire, especially at their seasonal campsite at Kiesler’s Campground. The Darling family also enjoyed swimming, grilling and spending Saturday nights playing cards. Randy loved the holiday gatherings, spoiling his dogs and taking the family on vacations to Mexico and road trips back to West Virginia. Randy’s life was truly blessed being a grandpa. The grandchildren were his everything and had such a rich relationship with each one. Randy enjoyed deer hunting, ice fishing, cheering on the Vikings and reading the StarTribune. Randy loved watching TV and Netflix, especially Walking Dead. He supported the Jordan community being a firefighter for 6 years. A lifelong passion, Randy loved riding his motorcycle. You knew it was him from afar, when Randy’s white Harley Davidson approached, with a teddy bear strapped to the back. He also enjoyed participating in the Red Knights Motorcycle Club (a club of active and former fire fighters and first responders). A devoted family man, Randy never failed to be there for his family or friends. He was supportive, caring, dependable, giving, kind hearted and straight forward. Randy had a great sense of humor, with his laughter filling the room. He loved life to the fullest!!! Forever loved, Randy will be missed by wife, Andrea; children, Brittany Darling, Laura Darling, Erin Darling, Ryan Darling; grandchildren, Christian, Nicholas, Adilynn, Jayden, Connor; parents, Linda Maynard, Elvie (Yvonna) Maynard, Sherri Tomak; siblings, Brenda (Chris Whitlow) Maynard, Jimmy Maynard, Chris Darling, Tracy Pettet; Brothers and sisters-in-law; Brenda (Rod) Lieske, Jordan, Mn, Dan (Theresa) Roble, Cannon Falls, Mn, Alan (Judy) Roble, Spring Grove, MN and David (Renee) Roble, Richfield, MN and many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews and friends. There to greet Randy in heaven was his father, Paul Darling Sr; brothers, Paul Darling Jr and Mike Darling, father and mother-in-law, Gordon and Orla Roble