Randall Bruce Witke

Randall (Randy) Bruce Witke, 78, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Rand is survived by his children Melinda Witke Kluding (Brandon Boone), Brad Witke (Gretchen Landgraf); grandchildren Johnathan (Stephanie), Kaelyn (Jonny) and Arnold Kluding, Delaney Ross, and Julian and Adeline Witke; brother David Witke; son in law Geoff Mason and former son in law Paul Kluding.

Rand was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Witke, his daughter Rebecca (Becki) Witke Mason, and his brother Roger Witke.

Rand was born on January 23, 1945 to Arnold and Rosamond (Storer) Witke in Council Bluffs. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1963, then later from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a degree in Journalism.

He married Marilyn Miller — his love since 8th grade — on December 2, 1968. They moved to Des Moines and eventually settled on the exact same street as Rand’s brothers.

Rand’s newspaper career began at the Nonpareil in Council Bluffs, then he moved to the Des Moines Register in 1971 where he stayed until his retirement in 2008. His career spanned sports to news, copy writing to editing. In the newsroom, he was beloved and respected by his colleagues for his editing expertise, his supervisory skills and his humor. He mentored, guided and inspired many younger journalists. Until his move to Portland, OR in 2022 to be near his son, Rand still had the Register delivered daily.

In retirement, Rand was the long-standing organizer of a Register alum group that gathered routinely for food and conversation. He was a movie buff, the giver of pragmatic advice, the feeder of squirrels, and the absolute best grandpa you could imagine. “Bompa” as he was known to his grandkids, was revered as their most steadfast supporter, biggest advocate and best friend. He would talk to them for hours, sharing stories, playing games and imparting wisdom. He was truly treasured by them.

Some fun facts about Rand: He was a class officer and an athlete in high school. He had a passion for sports and even created his own baseball statistics game. He would buy groceries for people in need and quietly leave them at their doorstep. He never judged a soul. He was a stellar copy editor and wrote award winning headlines. He helped his kids with school projects and taught us how to research topics. He coached his son’s basketball and baseball teams. He loved going for drives. He decorated family graves all over Iowa every Memorial Day. He cherished his friends and loved ones.

Rand is greatly missed. Please go see a movie in his honor.

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Services will be Saturday, October 21 at 10 am at Caldwell Parrish, 8201 Hickman Road in Urbandale, IA 50322. Private interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Missouri Valley, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Methodist Church: https://www.immanueldsm.org/give.