On the morning of Saturday January 7th, 2017, Rand passed away on his property in Lincoln, Montana because of natural causes. Rand was 62 years old.
Rand Koerper was born in Great Falls, Montana on November 5th, 1954. He was the oldest son of Rocky and Margery Koerper and brother to April (Buchholz).
During his childhood, Rand grew up in Kalispell MT and from there moved with his family to help run his father’s ranch in Denton, MT. He graduated from Denton High School in 1973.
After spending time logging in Washington, Rand moved back to Montana and his two sons, Gabriel and Benjamin, were born in Miles City. Rand raised his two sons in Rosebud as he worked as an equipment operator for Rosebud County. On October 20th in 1990, Rand married Lin (Cory) Koerper and she became a mother to Gabe and Ben.
In 1993, Rand moved his family to Spring Creek, NV to work at the Barrick Gold Strike mine. This move was in hopes to provide a better lifestyle for his family. While in Nevada, Rand, Lin and their boys enjoyed being involved in basketball. Rand was proud that his boys played the sport he loved while giving him an opportunity to coach as well.
In 1999, Rand and Lin moved back to their home in Rosebud, MT. For a year, Rand worked hard to build on the Rosebud place and he fully enjoyed being a handyman and craftsman, doing all his own projects and construction.
In the following years, Rand worked as an equipment operator at the coal mines in Gillette, WY. During this time, he would spend his working days living in a fifth wheel camper in Gillette and traveling home to Rosebud, MT on his days off. He continued to do this for over 12 years until he retired in 2016 and moved to his dream property in Lincoln, MT. Here, he spent his last days building a cabin.
Throughout Rand’s life, he was known by everyone for his genius to create and fix problems. He was a true artist and delved into bronzing, carving, drawing, carpentry/woodwork, welding, and working on old cars, just to name a few. He was very meticulous in everything he did.
Some of the fondest memories that Rand’s family cherished were going camping and fishing, and Rand’s passion for dog sledding. During the last 5 years, Rand loved to spend time with Gabe and Benny, archery hunting for elk in the Big Horn Mountains.
Rand was preceded in death by his father Neal “Rocky” Koerper and his mother Margery (Benz) Koerper. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lin Koerper and his two sons Gabe Koerper (Julie Koerper) and Benny Koerper (Salina Koerper). Rand is also survived by his sister April Buchholz (Kelly Buchholz) and his 7 grandkids: Darren, Evan, Landon, Mason, Gabryella (Gabe and Julie) and Brettlinn and Porter (Ben and Salina).
Funeral services will be held at Stevenson & Sons Funeral home in Forsyth, MT on Saturday January 14th 2017 at 1:00pm. The burial will take place at the Forsyth Cemetery with a reception to follow back at the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Burial
Following the funeral service
Saturday January 14, 2017
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Burial
Following the funeral service
Saturday January 14, 2017
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Leah Schermetzler says
Rand was our neighbor in Gillette for almost 2 years. He quickly became a friend, and we grew to love him like family. My husbands and mines daughter loves to talk to him and she could always make him smile. I love you like a dad Rand, and I will continue to love and miss you as such.
EJ Engelhaupt says
I worked with Rand out at NARM for 11 years. He was a good hand and was always in it to get the job finished. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed by many.
Don says
God bless you rand. I just found out of your passing. I was trying to find you. 4/27/17. Your friend and best man. Don
Douglas says
I grew up with Rand (known as Randy back then) in grade school (West Valley near Kalispell) and worked with him for years on the Grosswiler Dairy. What a guy. Truly. None like him. Strong, tough, determined, and misunderstood by most. Adversity seemed to be his constant companion, but he did not complain. He worked hard, and God only knows how none of us kids were killed with the many stupid stunts we did with farm equipment. He and his horse Tavey are an endearing memory. The day he tore his knee ligament in 7th grade football is also an unforgettable thing. His folks (Rocky & Marge) were awesome and I always looked up to them. Completely lost touch with him since the 70’s and now find he died last year. Puts quite a hole in my heart as I think about it. Wish I’d reconnected with him. Maybe the two of us could have cheated death just one more time. I think he’d been amused to learn our daughter’s name is also Tavey.
God bless you Randy, and your family. I’m thankful to have had you in my life.
Douglas