Randall Jay Versen passed away peacefully as he went home to be with his Lord surrounded by family, on July 1, 2025. He leaves behind his children: Randy Versen, Wendy (Brian) Conner, Kate (Steve) Bratschie, Laurie (Don) Burmeister, Karen (Jim) VerDuin, and Ellen Warn, along with many adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy, 18 months prior. Randy was extremely blessed to have been cared for at home over the last 18 months by his daughter Ellen, who did an incredible job caring for him in every way.
Randy will be remembered for his legacy of 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, who will continue to love, honor, and respect all that he taught them.
He was affectionately known as ” Grandpa banana bread” alwavs having at least one loaf of homemade banana bread in the house to share with visitors.
Randy enjoyed his morning coffee visits with friends Ken Stevens, Pete Campbell, and others who came by. He loved company and welcomed everyone into his home for a cup of coffee or a treat. He was blessed to live in a neighborhood where neighbors cared for and checked on him, helping in many ways. Every Thursday during the spring and summer, the neighborhood would gather in his driveway for “Thirsty Thursdays” to connect with one another.
Randy was a father, grandfather, and friend to all he knew. He loved endlessly and selflessly, never judging, and always welcoming anyone into the family. He will be missed by so many, but his legacy and memories will last forever through all the people he loved.
Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 3, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm with words of remembrance at 4:30 pm at Mangiamo 1033 Lake Drive SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506. Refreshments will be provided following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Treetops Collective.
2 Responses
Randy was my baseball coach when I was nine and led our Boys’ Brigade during that same time. He always had a big warm ‘Hello, Ron’ whenever I saw him. He will be missed.
We have definitely missed those weekly phone calls. Randy was a great guy that was never judgmental about anyone, always had a smile and was a willing listener to John when the stories might not have interested him at all. We will always remember the good times we had with him and his great humor. We send our sincere love to his family but especially to Randy and Wendy who we have loved from the day they were born. We are thankful for Ellen who cared for him so graciously. He will be missed!