Obituary
Steven B. Rand
Steven Bruce Rand passed away on February 8, 2022 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI after a 3-week battle with Covid-19. He endured this difficult time with courage, strength, and trust in God. He was surrounded by his loving family as he passed peacefully into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Steve was a man of deep faith, which influenced everything he did, and gave him peace as he completed his earthly journey.
Steve was born November 6, 1948 to Frank and Eileen Rand in Galesville, WI. He grew up near the Mississippi River and the bluffs in Trempealeau, WI, which sparked his lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. He was an avid runner, and during his senior year at Trempealeau High School set the record for the fastest mile at 4:38 and still holds it to this day! He met and married his beloved wife of forty-four years, Patty, through their church while both were attending Winona State University. Together they built a life of service, compassion, and love as they raised their four children.
Steve earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL in 1991. He devoted his career as a therapist to the growth and healing of those around him. The majority of his career was dedicated to children and adolescents as he had a tender heart for those affected by childhood trauma. Steve had an ability in life and in work to “see” each individual and connect with their uniqueness. During his career, Steve worked at The Family and Children’s Center in LaCrosse, WI; Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL; Allendale Association in Lake Villa, IL; and Chicago State University in Chicago, IL.
In retirement Steve wondered how he ever had time to work! He could often be found making beautiful walking sticks for friends and family, checking out the best breakfast restaurants with his siblings and cousin, gardening and canning with his good friend, or lending out his handyman skills wherever needed. He also greatly enjoyed music, art, and poetry. His creativity shined through in everything he did.
Steve cherished his family deeply. He was immensely proud of his four children, their spouses, and his eight grandchildren. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. He treasured them dearly, and his role as their “Pa.”
Steve will be greatly missed. His legacy of healing and love have left an indelible mark on those who knew him and will impact generations.
Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife Patty and kids; Jessica (Chuck) Brown, Kendra (Paul) Redmond, Leah Rand, and Jon (Crystal) Rand, his grandchildren; Brianna, Ethan, Maggie, Ben, Connor, Ruby, Brady and Aubrey, his siblings; John (Deb) Rand, Tom (Jackie) Rand, Mike (Jean) Rand, Bob (Joyce) Rand, and Kathy (David) Snyder, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Gundersen Lutheran Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.
A memorial service honoring Steve will be held on March 12 at 2pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI, with a light meal to follow. Visitation will be from 12-2pm. Please consider CDC recommendations regarding Covid prevention practices if attending. To livestream the memorial service please click here.
In lieu of flowers the family invites donations in Steve’s honor to Compassion International (https://www.compassion.com/) or Smile Train (https://www.smiletrain.org/).
I didn’t know Steve personally but I feel I know him after reading this beautiful obituary.
I know he had to be a wonderful man because I know Patty and she deserved nothing less.I know that their love for eachother,their family and the Lord were priority in their lives.
May God continue to bless them all❤?
Steven was a wonderful guy he always had a smile on his face when he came to work he loved working at Allendale if you needed some one to talk to he would listen to everything you had to say RIP Steven may you rest in heaven until we meet again
Steve was a great guy and I’m sure his family and friends will cherish his memory in their hearts. I am very sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolence goes out to Patty, their children, their grandchildren, Steve’s siblings as well as the rest of the family.
My prayers are for their strength and comfort during their healing.
So sorry for your loss! It sounds like he was a great man.
Nick Bernhardt is my Grandson!
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Steve in Trempealeau. My sympathy goes out to the family and friends.
Generosity
Steve was my neighbor and dearest friend.
Steve was my gardening and canning partner.
Steve was my snow blowing and hedge trimming helper.
Steve was always willing to do a favor or help with a task.
Steve was a scholar who enjoyed discussing thoughts and ideas.
Steve could even share political beliefs in a civilized manner.
Steve loved his family and cherished his long heritage.
Steve’s walking stick comforts me, but I miss him so much.
I was blown away by Steve’s many accomplishments and the life that he lived. I can see why he will be missed dearly by his family and friends. I was a classmate of Steve’s in the class of 1966 at Healy Memorial High School in Trempealeau. As we often do after school, I never saw Steve after graduation and feel that I missed out on knowing him as an adult…I would have been right there with the gardening and canning. I do remember Steve as soft spoken, kind and always with a smile and hello. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My sympathy to your family.
The “other” Jeff Rand
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the Rand family.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Steve as a kind, soft spoken man that I met through Ed. He was our photographer for our wedding. His accomplishments were many and he will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you.
Our sympathy to Steve’s Family and friends – I did not know Steve personally but grew up in Trempealeau and knew his family .
Steve was a great distance runner as I used to try and keep up with him when he helped out at the Lakey farm between Trempealeau and Galesville. Steve was a soft spoken and kind man. I was fortunate to have known him.
Dave Lakey
Kathy, Pease know that I am so sorry for your loss. The ache and loss will always be there but the love we feel for them will be there as well.
Thank you Barbara, greatly appreciated.
cuz steve : to the cuz that lived in the yellow house in Tremp with his mom…to the cuz that nursed in her hour of need…his once sister in law …you are soooo missed. your sweet nature and generous gifts of love and nurturing are our reward for the privelege of being in your life… my heart goes out to widow Patty and children: Jessica, Kendra, Leah Rand, Jon Rand …and cuz sibs: Tom, John, Mike, Bob, Kathy … and cuz Margey… love to you all…so sorry for your loss….
Clearly Steve was a very special man, highly accomplished and with a heart big as all outdoors. I never met him, but knew of his tender care for his once sister in law, whom I had met on a few occasions. Having lived in Trempealeau for only 5 years, I’ve come to know well the goodness built into the name Rand, as I am privileged and grateful to know Bob, wife Joyce, and their family as dear neighbors and friends. Sincere condolences to Steve’s wife, children, grandchildren and all the Rand clan.
Bob, Joyce and all Rand family so sorry to hear this news. Gone to fast and too soon. Prayers for you all.
I worked with Steve at LaCrosse Home for Children, and will always remember his patience, humility, compassion, and the love he showed to the children and staff. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Steve bring you peace and inspiration. Jim Hansen
Dear Patty, I was so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. Too young – too soon. I have fond memories of both you and Steve as we worshipped together at First Free Church. I’m sure Bill gave him a big warm welcome into Heaven. You have my sympathy for your great loss.
Love to you,
Jeanne (Westphal) Pendl
I worked with Steve at Family and Children’s Center. He gave me this hardcover bible that is easy to understand, To this day, my husband and I read from it every morning. I was so wounded, and his words of encouragement to look to God was so amazing. He signed the bible August 1986, and there are scripture verses that he wrote in there for me to read so I could heal. Thank you Steve! I still treasure this bible!
Mary Delaney-Vanek
I saw Steve for counseling while I was attending Trinity International University at he was working at the counseling center there. He was a man of gentleness and encouragment and helped me to take confidence in myself and accept myself more. Individual counseling turned in to premarital counseling, and Steve really helped up get off to a great start in our marriage! He was excellent at what he did.
Patti and Family-We are grieving with you and will be watching the service for Steve. We are so sorry for Steve’s illness and your loss. We pray for God to give you comfort in the loving family memories you share. Sending love-Jan and Cheryl Hook