Randy Jay Marks, age 66, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was born the son of John Jr. and Anna (Schipper) Marks on June 4, 1959, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. With the birth of Randy, his father was proud to claim he had one and a half dozen children. He was raised on a farm by Allison, Iowa, and was a member of Trinity Reformed Church. During his teenage years, Randy played football and was a member of the Christian Flames singing group. He graduated from Allison Bristow High School in 1977. Randy went on to proudly serve in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany and Texas.
Randy was united in marriage with Angela Ann Cole and they were blessed with two children, Amanda Rae and Brandon Albert. Randy and Angie lived in Texas for two years before moving back to Iowa. The couple were later divorced. Randy drove for MET Bus System before working at the United States Postal Service in maintenance mechanic in Waterloo. He later moved to Ankeny and transferred to the U.S. Postal dispatch, where he retired in 2019.
In his early years, Randy enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including line dancing, riding motorcycles, and building things with his hands. He was known for his practical skills, creativity, and steady work ethic. One of Randy’s happiest achievements in his life was purchasing his acreage outside of Cedar Falls in which he could spend time with his family, especially being able to host cherished “Farm Sundays” playing cards. Randy was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, trying new restaurants and making memories with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness.
Randy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Unity Point Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Randy is preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Marks; a sister, Ardella (Bill) Hansen, a brother, Gary Marks; a brother-in-law, Kenny Mehmen, and a sister-in-law, Elisabeth Marks; two nieces, Darla Ubben and JJ Marks; a great niece, Tanya Marks; and a special aunt, Bena Knock.
Randy is survived by two children, Amanda (Bill Kelley) Marks of Waterloo, and Brandon (Teresa Hellum) Marks of Cedar Falls; four grandchildren, Aubrey Ann & John Randall Marks and Claire JoAnna & Julia Carol Kelley; three brothers, John B. Marks and Roger (Joyce) Marks, both of Allison and Orlyn (Wendy) Marks of Parkersburg, Iowa; a sister, Dorthy Mehmen of Baxter, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Shirley Marks of Gering, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews; & great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison, with burial at the Allison Municipal Cemetery
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg and one hour before services at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the family.