EMPORIA — Dana Kirk Randel, 72, died June 3, 2023, at his home in Emporia, Kan. He was born May 19, 1951, in Hoisington, Kan., the son of Ira Frank and Donna Marie (Jessen) Randel.

On May 27, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Lana Beth Scheuerman in Baldwin, Kan.

He graduated from Bison Rural High School, Bison, Kan. in 1969. Following family tradition, he attended Baker University, graduating in 1972. In 1979 he graduated from The University of Kansas with a master’s degree and was accepted into their Doctoral program.

His working life was spent as an educator. He was a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and superintendent. Following his retirement, he farmed his wife’s family farm.

Family and friends were very important to Dana. He loved to play golf with his friends and go golfing and hunting with his sons. He was a loyal friend, loving husband, devoted Father, and a wonderful “Pop” to his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Lana Randel; sons Jens Randel of Kearney, Neb., and Joren Randel and his wife Kristy of Emporia, Kan.; grandchildren; and a sister, Kris Randel Waldren of Madison, Wisc.

The funeral service was on Friday, June 9th, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Galen Boehme presiding. Burial was in Lone Star Cemetery, rural Bison, Kan. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be sent and obituary viewed at www.nicholsonrickfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

PO Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 3, 2023