Randy Jochum

R andy J ochum was born August 7, 1956, in Sutherland, Nebraska. He died at the age of 65 on March 9, 2022, at Great Plains Health in North Platte after a courageous battle against esophageal cancer.

Randy, the son of Bud and Arlene Jochum, grew up on a farm south of Sutherland and worked for several area farmers during his high school years. Randy graduated from Hershey Public School in 1975 then attended Mid Plains Community College where he received an Associate Degree in Diesel Mechanics.

Randy worked for Hi Line Coop in Sutherland while attending college and worked there until 1979 when he was hired by Nebraska Public Power District – Gerald Gentleman Station as a mechanic. This would be his job for the next 39.5 years until retiring in 2018. Randy then started a full time retirement job at Sutherland Farm and Auto, eventually fully retiring in 2021 when his health declined.

Randy married Cassie Adkins in 1983 and this union was blessed with three beautiful daughters, Melissa, Traci and Adrian. Randy and Cassie divorced in 1997. Several years later Randy met up with his longtime friend, Kristi Laverack, and she became the love of his life. They were married in October 2012 and greatly enjoyed life by traveling, taking cruises to many areas of the world, and attending their grandchildren's various events.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing growing up and later in life, Randy could be found at the golf course every weekend and every free moment perfecting his game with family and his great friends; he even shot a hole-in-one, twice! Randy especially loved spending time with his grandkids, fishing, camping, playing catch or just spending time together.

Randy was also active in the Sutherland community. He was a basketball and football official for over 35 years and traveled many places and nights to games with his two brothers who also officiated with him. Randy served as Firefighter EMT for Sutherland Fire and Rescue for 40 years (with 16 of those years as Fire Chief), was on the Oregon Trails Golf Board for several years, and served on the Sutherland School Board for 16 years. One of his greatest pleasures was handing each of his girls their diplomas when they graduated, and also to a young man, Dusty, whom would eventually become his son-in-law. Randy touched many lives in his 40 years of community service.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kristi, of Sutherland; daughters, Melissa (Nate) Veal of North Platte, Traci (Dusty) Kramer of Sutherland and Adrian (Zzyzx) Brown of Gering; stepchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Koch of Kearney and Kaleb (Rachel) Laverack of Piedmont, SD; grandchildren, Karson and Mya Veal, Kaydan, Colby and Alexis Kramer, and Arabella Brown; step-grandchildren, Kemper and Kase Koch, Brianna Pratt, Felicia (Will) Sutterer, and Mason, Leah and Ashton Todd; his brothers, Bill (Judy) and Larry (Christy) of Lincoln and Howdy (Deb) and Paul (Dixie) of Sutherland; brother-in-law, Ken (Ellen) Hockemeier of Kearney; sister-in-law, Karleen Reynolds of Dallas, TX; as well as other family.

Randy was proceeded in death by his parents, Bud and Arlene; and in-laws, Norman and Reva Hockemeier.

Services will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Visitation is 1-6 p.m. on Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.