John Thomas Rand (58) of Shakopee passed away due to natural causes Friday evening, August 25th, at his place of residence. John was born in Crookston, Minnesota on June 13, 1959, to Marland “Bud” Rand and Marion Jeanne Rand (nee Wright). As a child, John relocated to Boone, Iowa with his family, where he matriculated. John joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 1984 and served for over two decades, reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, and retired early at 49. Following his retirement, John relocated to Shakopee, Minnesota, to live closer to his three daughters.
John was at his happiest when making other people laugh. He loved to entertain and his sense of humor was second to none. John deeply enjoyed playing board games with his family and friends, a love which was instilled by his family from a young age and which he passed on to his daughters throughout their lives. The family played Tripoli any opportunity they had when they were brought together, and John played cribbage with his girls as frequently as he could.
John’s friends and family remember him as being profoundly generous. He was immediate to provide a listening ear, a financial leg up, a ride to the air port. John would offer his own bed to sleep in and would settle himself in on the couch for a friend in need. He would treat people to coffees, trips to play bingo with him, shampoo and conditioner if they ran out before pay day, and he would never ask for kindness in return. His generosity was boundless.
John’s military service was a point of pride for his family, and he was well suited to his position with the Iowa National Guard. He spent his career quickly advancing, and at the time of his retirement, he was one of the highest ranked individuals in the state. His early retirement brought a life of well earned relaxation.
John is preceded in death by his loving parents and his younger brother Paul Rand. John is survived by his daughters Carissa Dressen (and Tim), Heather Rand-McKay (and David), and Danielle Rand; his grandson Devin; his siblings Frances Sandlin (and Pat), Barbara York (and John), Mary Rand (and Melodie), Margaret Rand, and James Rand; his many nieces and nephews; Kelley Bayles (and Steve), the mother of his three daughters and former spouse; and countless friends and colleagues.
Funeral service will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation Reception Center in Shakopee (833 S. Marschall Road) on Tuesday, September 5, at 12:00P, with visitation one hour prior. John will be buried at Fort Snelling with full military honors. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home Tuesday morning prior to the visitation.
