Randy M. Schaefer
March 24, 1961 ~ April 1, 2025
Randy Schaefer was the life of every party, the king of the smart-aleck comeback, and the guy who always had a (sometimes dirty) joke ready to go. Born on March 24, 1961, to Jack and Shirley Schaefer in Omaha, Nebraska, Randy spent his life having fun and making people laugh.
A proud product of Holy Name Catholic School, Randy was an active kid- he and his brother Ron were avid baseball players with their father, Jack frequently being their coach. They loved baseball and made the All-Star teams each summer which cut into their time at their favorite place, the DLD Cabin. In high school, football, basketball, and track were his focus, and he did quite well at all of them! In addition to being a good student, (believe it or not, he was on the National Honor Society), Randy graduated in 1979 after earning multiple letters in football, basketball, and track. His speed and grit on the gridiron caught the eye of University of Nebraska-Omaha Coach, Sandy Buda who recruited him to play wide receiver for the Mavericks. He played for four years and their team won the North Central Conference Championship his last year in 1983. Randy working at his own pace, did finally graduate down the road with a degree in Business Administration.
What started as a part-time gig at UPS while in college turned into a full-blown career. Randy worked as a loader/unloader of the big brown trucks, delivery driver, driving trainer and later in management. He retired after decades of service at UPS—and undoubtedly left behind a legacy of laughter, horse-play, and back-slaps.
Randy married in 1991 and made his home in Irvington, where he lived the rest of his life. He was a devoted dad to Jake (1993), Brad (1995), and Jordan (1999)—his greatest joys and his proudest accomplishments. He coached their teams, cheered at their events, and taught them everything from how to cast a fishing line, aim a bow & arrow, load a rifle, and how to properly celebrate a Husker or Viking win. He was a baseball coach, a football coach, a dance dad, a mushroom hunter and the leader of every family adventure, whether it was a trip to Disney World or a weekend at Adventureland.
Randy loved having the latest toy—be it a fishing boat, wave runner, 4-wheeler, or drone—and he loved sharing them. If Randy had a new toy, you were going to enjoy it- whether you planned to or not. Many of these toys were shared with family and friends at the beloved cabin in Onawa, Iowa—his sanctuary and his playground.
The Fourth of July was sacred to Randy. He never missed a firework show and was usually the ringleader of the whole operation, rounding up family and friends for the best viewing spots and the loudest laughs. Man did he LOVE his M80's!! He also had a love for classic cars and spent years restoring his first classic, a 1938 Ford Tudor. Shortly thereafter, he purchased and restored his gem, the 1957 Chevy. If he wasn’t cruising in one of them, he was probably talking about them.
Randy was a longtime member of the Holy Name Men’s Club and a proud member of the original fish fry crew. You could always find him battering or frying fish alongside his friends and his dad and eventually made it a full -blown family affair involving his kids as well! He threw himself into planning EPIC New Year’s Eve parties and always had a great new idea to make it a memorable evening! Later in life, you could often find him at VFW Post 2503, sipping a drink, playing keno, throwing darts and BS'ing amongst friends.
He also loved an annual fishing trip with his high school buddies from the Holy Name Class of ’79. For several years, the group would reunite at a new spot to share jokes, play cards, and discuss tall tales of their high school years together. It was more than just fishing for them; it was a tradition that strengthened lifelong friendships and created a brotherhood that lasted through Randy’s final days.
Even after being diagnosed with diabetic amyotrophy and neuropathy, and facing challenges with his overall health and mobility, Randy kept showing up. Whether it was fish fry, Big Red Keno, a dart tournament, or The Club, he wanted to be there—maybe with a walker or a scooter, but always with a smile and a warm "Hello!"
Randy leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love. He was the guy who made you feel like you belonged, the one who’d offer you a beer and a story, and who made small moments feel like a memory in the making. He loved his kids, his family and friends, and he LOVED having fun!! Although he is gone, his memory will live on in the stories we tell. He will be missed terribly but know that he is walking with ease, fishing til sunset, and laughing with those we've lost & love!
Randy was preceded in death by his father, John "Jack" Schaefer; He is survived by his sons, Jake and Brad Schaefer; daughter Jordan Schaefer; mother Shirley Schaefer; brother Ron Schaefer & wife Ana; sister Julie Post & husband Bernie; Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Randy’s celebration of life will be Saturday, April 19th from 1:00-5:00 pm @ VFW post 2503. (8904 Military Road - North room)
He loved classic cars and his ‘57 Chevy will be proudly displayed, we encourage you to bring your classic as well!
We’ll gather to remember Randy, have a prayer reflection, a toast, and open podium/mic at 2:30 for sharing of stories and memories. Please bring your favorites, as there are lots to tell!
In lieu of flowers, memorial's given to the family will be used in Randy's memory at a later date.
Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services
1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 / 402-391-2171