Randall Wayne Sternberg

Randall Sternberg, a pillar of the Albert Lea community, devoted father and grandfather passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, at Thorne Crest Living Community in Albert Lea, MN.

Born on November 17, 1954, in South Branch, Randy was a man defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his work. Growing up on the family farm as the eldest of three siblings, Randy learned the value of hard work and resilience early on, shaped by the loss of his father at a young age and the strength of his mother's guidance.

He flourished academically, graduating from St. James High School and later earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Mathematics from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. During his university years, Randy fostered lifelong friendships as a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. He embarked on a brief teaching career at Leroy-Ostrander Schools, later beginning a fulfilling career at Wells Federal Bank, where he started as an intern and worked his way up to a successful and fulfilling lifetime career.

On June 2, 1984, Randy exchanged vows with the girl next door, Gayleen Niemeier, whom he cherished dearly. Randy and Gayle's love story began before they even knew it when they were neighbors, their family farms sharing property lines. They began their journey in Fairmont, MN, later settling in Albert Lea as Randy took a position at the Albert Lea Wells Federal Bank location.  Together, they raised their family and created countless cherished memories in their home in Albert Lea. Randy was deeply involved in the Albert Lea community, serving as an active member of Zion Lutheran Church as an Elder, council member and usher, the Lions Club, and the Early Bird Stock Club.

Randall's passion for adventure led his family on countless road trips across the United States, creating unforgettable memories in their stylish conversion van. In true “Griswold family” style there always seemed to be a vehicle breakdown with Randy showing off his McGyver skills to get them to their destination.  The family cabin on Lake Tetonka in Waterville, MN host years of memories and the annual guy’s trip to Leech Lake accompany numerous fishing stories.

Randy was a devoted father and the epitome of a doting grandfather to his five precious granddaughters. Whether engaging in joyful tea parties, attending dance recitals, or the numerous trips for ice cream, Randy embraced every moment with unwavering love and devotion.  A man of logic and integrity, Randy was known for his sound advice, often centered around credit scores and interest rates. His family, both at home and at the bank, valued his wisdom and unwavering support. He will be remembered as a protector, a provider, and a pillar of strength to all who knew him; a man of deep thought and consideration, always putting his family's well-being first.

Randy will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Stephanie (Ethan) Berg and Naomi (David) Schuster; granddaughters, Addison, Brynn, and Cora Berg and Raelen and Sierra Schuster; mother, Charlotte Sternberg; siblings, Jeff (Doris) Sternberg and Val Hanna; sisters-in-law, Nona Niemeier, Betsy Niemeier; brother-in-law, Brad (Eileen) Niemeier; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his wife Gayleen in 2019; father, Raymond; brother, Curtis; and brothers-in-law, Tom Hanna and Kevin Niemeier.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday March 14, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN; Pastor Matt Lehman will officiate.  Randy’s family will greet guests at a visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in South Branch Township, MN.

The family would also like to share their deepest appreciation for the entire Thorne Crest staff and community for their unwavering dedication and care of Randy these past few years. They were such a huge part of our village!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Randy’s memory to the Lions Club, PO Box 38 Albert Lea, MN 56007, to assist with the building of the All Area Playground in the community.

He will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever remain a guiding light in the lives he touched.