Richard L. Randall, 74, Custer, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at St. Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point.
Private gatherings are ongoing with family and friends celebrating his life over meals and sharing favorite stories remembered.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society in Schofield has assisted family with arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.jjbfh.com.
Mr. Randall was born Jan. 17, 1936, in Grand Island, Neb., a son of the late Rev. George and Loretta (Wright) Randall. He received his early education in Omaha and Osceola, Neb., graduating from Osceola High School in 1954.
He then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb., until his senior year.
He served for three years in the Air Force National Guard as an aircraft radio repairman.
He moved to Los Angeles and continued his education at University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), graduating with degrees in electronics, mathematics and physics.
He worked for a small electronics company while attending college and for a short time after graduation.
He then was employed by Atomics International (a division of Rockwell International) in Canoga Park, Calif., working in the early development of nuclear reactors. He then worked at Rocketdyne (another Rockwell International division) as a researcher and instrumentation engineer. He established himself as a leader in his technical field, designing advanced instrumentation/control systems for rocket engines like the Saturn V, the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) and anti-ballistic missile interceptors.
Mr. Randall was married to Arlene Travicke on Oct. 21, 1972, in Los Angeles, Calif.
They resided in Los Angeles at the beginning of their marriage and then relocated to Custer, to her homestead, in 1992 when he retired from Rocketdyne.
He and his wife sang and performed in a band at Busch Gardens in Los Angeles, the Hofbrau Restaurant and German festivals and other events.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Susan (Brent) Kennedy, Central City, Neb.; one son, Michael (Tara Keenan), Central City, Neb.; one sister, Thelma Randall Van Bronkhorst, Chico, Calif.; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; and one nephew.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. Darryl and Dr. G.T. "Toby;" and one granddaughter.