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Randol R. Cody, the son of Clifford Merrill and the late Beverly Eide, was born May 14, 1950 in Estherville, Iowa. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 in Mooresville, North Carolina at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving family. He received his education and graduated from Estherville High School in 1968. In 1969, he graduated with honors from Iowa Lakes Community College, where he focused on auto body repair. Randy served in the United States Army until his medical discharge. On June 13, 1970 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Alvestad. The couple made their home in Estherville where they raised their family. Randy has owned and operated Randy's Body & Wrecker since 1971. He enjoyed motorcycle rides, watching NASCAR races, volunteering, and collecting small scale fire trucks and wreckers. Randy was a past member and former deacon of Calvary Gospel Assembly, and a current member of Grandview Baptist Church in Estherville. He was a past Estherville Jaycee and a member of the Estherville and Gruver Fire Departments. He has been a firefighter since 1974, serving as Estherville Fire Chief from 2002 – 2005. Randy went on several mission trips and was very involved in the community. He was known and loved for his good-natured orneriness. Left to cherish Randy's memory are his wife of 48 years, Carol of Estherville; his children, Jennifer (Dean) Heidt of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Ross (Valerie) Cody of Mooresville, North Carolina; two grandsons, Nathan and Bryston Heidt; father, Cliff Merrill; siblings, Kris (Steve) Randles; Russel Cody; Richard Cody; Roxann Merrill; Melissa; Susan; Elliott (Jane) Cody; and Christy Johnson. He has been preceded in death by his mother and biological father, Elvin Cody. The family will receive friends from 2:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, January 1, at Henry-Olson Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2018 at Grandview Baptist Church in Estherville, Iowa with Rev. Ernie Gafkjen officiating. Burial will be held in Estherville Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. Military Rites will be provided by the Iowa Honor Guard. Everyone is invited to join the family for a time of food and fellowship in the Estherville VFW – Post 3388 following the committal service. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the VFW.

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Randol Ray Cody

May 14, 1950 - December 26, 2018