Randy Piittmann

Randy Robert Piittmann, born on October 5, 1949, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed from this earthly life into the arms of our Lord on September 8, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of 75 years, 11 months and 3 days.

Randy a man who embodied the true spirit of a farmer, cultivating not just the land but also a deep-rooted faith in God, family, and community. Education was important to Randy. He attended schools in Hancock and Avoca and graduated from AvoHa High School in 1968, later continuing his journey of learning at Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda. Following that, he completed his religious studies degree at Augustana, in Sioux Falls, graduating in 1973 and enriching his soul so that he could better serve his family and the community.

Randy's feet were firmly planted in the rich soil of agriculture, having spent his lifetime as a devoted farmer. From a young age, he was deeply involved in 4-H. Among the various fair projects, raising and showing cattle was by far his favorite. Showing calves took him all over the Midwest winning various awards, including Ak-sar-ben, Kansas City Royal, and National Western Stock Show in Denver. He could also be found working alongside his father, putting up grain bins and tending to the family farm west of Hancock. With a heart for service, he stepped away for a time to fulfill his duty in the Army Reserves, bringing the values of hard work and dedication back to the farm when he returned.

After many fruitful years of farming, he pivoted to farm management in 1985. He managed farms for several companies such as LeDoit, and Hertz in southwest Iowa. Randy, his wife Barb of 25 years, and their three boys called several places home, including Quincy, Illinois, then Grimes, Iowa, before finally settling back in the Hancock area. Randy was a man of prayer. His sons all recall fond memories of bedtime stories of Randy's childhood followed by prayer. Randy also passed along his love of 4-H to his sons, who also showed cattle, sheep, and hogs among other projects. Following retirement, he had been residing in Atlantic, Iowa, where he made many memories with his fiancé Barbara. Randy retired from farm management after 30 years in 2015.

His legacy lives on through his loving fiancé Barbara Lytle of Atlantic, Iowa, who brought joy and companionship to his life. Randy is the proud father of three sons who fondly remember his teachings and guidance: James (Lindsay) Piittmann of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Andrew (Maddie) Piittmann of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Eric (Shaleigh) Piittmann of Omaha, Nebraska. He delighted in being a grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren: Kennedy, Oliver, Wesley, Ruby, and Harlow, who will carry on his spirit through their laughter and love. He is also survived by his dear sister Nancy Kelly of Avoca, Iowa, who shares in the memories and love of their upbringing. Randy was preceded in death by his beloved parents, mother Leona Frahm Piittmann and father Everett Piittmann, who have surely welcomed him home with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to East Pottawattamie County Fair or the Piittmann Family.