Randy Drish Obituary
Randy Joe Drish of Burlington, IA, took his first breath in heaven at 4:34 pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, after checking out of the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington. He was surrounded by his family.
On August 31, 1949, in Chariton, IA, Ralph and Wynona L. Brown Drish welcomed Randy into the world with open arms. He grew up enjoying the outdoors and with a fondness for animals. Whether he was hunting them, catching them or raising them, Randy always had an animal in the box and an alligator in the bathtub. Throughout high school, he worked 40 hours per week between two part time jobs at S&R Mobile and Hotel Burlington. He graduated from Burlington Community High School in 1968.
A year later, on Aug 16, 1969, Randy married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Sue Phillips at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Burlington, IA. The couple had been dating since they were both 14 years old.
Randy served his country faithfully as a medic in the US Army from March 20, 1970 until December 20, 1975.
Randy retired as a supervisor from JI Case Company in 2003 after 36 years of service. Upon retirement, Randy worked as a self employed contractor, building whatever was needed for whoever needed it.
Randy was an outgoing people person who loved to have fun. He loved to hunt deer and catch catfish. Randy spent the majority of his free time boating, skiing and camping with his family and friends on the Mississippi River. He loved to play cards, especially a game called “31” and if you had $3 he would be more than happy to teach you. Randy loved to show people how to do new things and he had an unmatched drive to get tasks completed. Randy was a big fan of the St Louis Cardinals and made a ton of memories at Busch Stadium. He loved everything to do with trains, guns and 60’s music. Randy especially loved his family, most notably his grandkids and great grandkids. He will be remembered for his welcoming nature and his ability to build anything. Whether it was a hot tub, cabin, the waterfall in the Hospice House or an entire house, his talents knew no boundaries. Randy was loved by all who knew him and he will be forever missed.
Survivors include his mother, Joan Drish of Clearwater, FL; wife, Barbara Drish of Burlington; two sons, Randy (Becky) Drish, Jr. of Quincy, IL, and Bob (Meredith) Drish of Fishers, IN; daughter, Lori (Jason) Renteria of St. Paul, MO; grandchildren, Abby (Chris) Brincks, Annie (Tanner) Sanborn, Ryan (Jess) Drish, Rachel Drish, Kennedy Drish, Carson Drish, Caden Drish, Adam Renteria, Maya Renteria, Alex Renteria, Sophia Renteria, Ethan Renteria; great-grandchildren, Cooper Brincks, Kaden Brincks, Caelum Sanborn, and Everett Sanborn; four brothers, Gary Drish, Jim (Regina) Drish, Mike Drish, and John (Kathy) Drish; sister, Debbie (Mike) Farran; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandson, Matthew Renteria.
Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. Following military honors, the rosary will be recited and the family will receive friends until 6:00 PM.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Drish will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 4, 2024, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church with Rev. Father Michael T. Phillips as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie # 150 (2727 Mt. Pleasant Street) following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House and Partners for Conservation Foundation to benefit Starr's Cave Nature Center.