Melvin G. Randel

Melvin G. Randel

April 12, 1947 - July 17, 2024

AXTELL, Neb. - Melvin G. Randel, 77, of Axtell, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at CHI Health - Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

A celebration of life open house will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell, Neb., with Pastor Doug Lee officiating. Military honors will be presented by the North Platte American Legion and the United States Army Funeral Honors Team. Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Melvin G. Randel was born on April 12, 1947 in McCook to Stanley S. and Norma I. (Burrack) Randel. He grew up in the McCook area and attended school at McCook Public School. He entered the Army where he faithfully served from March 19, 1970 to June 18, 1973. He was united in marriage to Brenda L. Lomax on June 4, 1969 in McCook.

While serving in the Army, Melvin was a Veterinarian Specialist at West Point, NY. He had the honors, and headaches, of training a two-year old mule, “Spartacus”, as their new mascot mule. Spartacus replaced their 23-year-old Mascot mule “Trotter”.

After his service in the Army, Melvin and his wife, Brenda, made their home on a farm outside of Pawnee Rock, Kan. There they welcomed their daughter, Amanda M. Randel, into their lives. Melvin was very proud of Amanda.

Melvin enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, where he would keep a close eye on how many cards everyone had in their hands!

He worked for area ranchers, including shoeing horses, and was a farm hand for a few years. Melvin then purchased his own semi, and made his career as an owner/operator, leasing his truck on to various carriers. Melvin hauled everything from commodities to heavy and oversized loads.

During his driving career, he met his current wife, Karen (Bergsten) Shumate, who was an owner/operator herself. They hauled loads for the same brokers and became friends while sitting in line waiting to either load or unload. They lived in Palco, Kan. and later Axtell, Neb.

After his retirement, Melvin was blessed with a beautiful granddaughter, Nora Lynn, whom he cherished very much. Melvin was a member of the Hill City, Kan. American Legion. He enjoyed playing cards and shoeing horses.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Karen Shumate of Axtell; daughter, Amanada Thiessen and husband, Chad, of Houston, Tex.; granddaughter, Nora, of Houston, Tex.; sister, Denise (Randel) Taylor of Omaha; mother-in-law, Mary M. (Wrin) Bergsten of Kearney; sister-in-law, Laurie A. LaVoie and husband Steven of Kearney; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Teresa Randel; and brother-in-law, Ron Taylor.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.