Randy Lee Hargens was born in Manning, Iowa on November 7, 1954, to Lester and Thelma (Winsor) Hargens. He was one of 5 boys: Richard, Russell, Roger, and Rodney. He attended Manning Schools and then the family moved to Avoca in 1967 and he finished his education at Avoca High School.

Randy was united in marriage to Martha Sampson on January 12, 1975, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. The wedding was postponed to the next day due to a blizzard. They are the loving parents of 2 children: Ryan and Regina.

Randy worked various jobs including the beef plant in Oakland, and the pork plant in Harlan. His last and longest job before retirement was working at Double S Truck Line. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and sports. He always enjoyed playing cards and telling a good joke. He loved the thrill of the racetrack and the simple pleasure of a hopeful bet. Whether he was watching a game or scratching a ticket, he loved the anticipation and the fun believing that today might be his lucky day. Randy was a kind-and soft-hearted man who found simple joy in good company and a cold beer.

On Thursday evening, January 15, 2026, Randy passed away at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, having attained the age of 71 years, 2 months and 8 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Thelma; brothers Robert and Eugene; sister Karen in infancy; niece Jessica Hargens and her son Maurice; brothers-in-law Robert, John, James “Auggie”, Walt and Joseph “Pete”; sisters-in-law Mary and husband Tommy, and Darlene; nephew Ronnie; and mother and father-in-law LeRoy and Edna Sampson.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Martha Hargens of Walnut, Iowa; son Ryan and wife Brenda Hargens of Atlantic, Iowa; daughter Regina and husband Chad Hansen of Avoca, Iowa; 4 grandchildren: Austin Alff, Hannah and husband Mason Goergen; Connor Hansen and Darian Hansen; brothers Rick Hargens of Avoca, Iowa; Russell and wife Tina Hargens of Avoca, Iowa; Roger and wife Beth Hargens of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Rodney and wife Denise Hargens of Avoca, Iowa; in-laws Dave and wife Carol Sampson of Hancock, Iowa; Wayne Sampson of Underwood, Iowa; Arnie and wife Carol Sampson of Pikeville, North Carolina; Susan Libby of Walnut, Iowa; Kay Sampson of Walnut, Iowa; Barb Sampson of Avoca, Iowa; Margaret Sampson of Elliott, Iowa; many nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.