Johanna 'Jenny' (Welk) Randgaard

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Randgaard, Johanna Welk "Jenny" Nov. 6, 1939 - Oct. 10, 2016 Jenny was a Wife of 57 years, devoted Mother of four children, and proud Aunt of 36 nieces and nephews. She passed away at home in Chaska after battling an inherited form of COPD. An active Community Volunteer and Advocate for Girls, Jenny fought for City funding after the passage of Title IX to establish a girls' gymnastics program in Chanhassen. In typical fashion, she secured the funding, raised matching funds, purchased equipment, found the location and coach, and hoped a few girls would participate. Validating her instincts, 50 girls signed up the first day. Born in Strasburg, ND, the second youngest of 11 kids, Jenny was a successful businesswoman, interior designer, contractor, and mentor. Jenny and husband Jerry owned Contract Source, Inc., for over 25 years, and after selling the company, she was fortunate to work with Norix for several years until retirement. She organized the memorably raucous Welk Family Reunions for almost two decades; was a cherished member of the "Big Four" and "Dragonflies," among many valued friendships; loved golf, bridge, animals and entertaining; and was gifted with great personal style. Jenny was met by her beloved youngest child, Lisa, as well as her siblings and their spouses Alice (Debert) Keller, Ray (Joan) Welk, Clara (George) Porter, Larry Welk, Rose Eberlein, Hank Welk, William Welk, and Rosemary Isker Welk. Jenny is survived by her husband, Jerry, and children Diane Randgaard (Terrebonne, OR), Tom (Jess Rodin) Randgaard (Bonita Springs, FL), and Linda (Kenneth) Antonioli (Los Angeles, CA); siblings and spouses Pius (Hilda) Welk, Elmer Welk, Pete Welk, and "sister" Bernie Haag Welk. A casual lunch reception celebrating the lives of Jenny and Lisa will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017, 11:30am-2pm, Snyder Auditorium, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN. In lieu of flowers, Jenny requested that donations be directed to "The Lisa Jo Randgaard Fund" at Sea Turtle Conservancy, Gainesville, FL, or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN. Jenny will continue to "play through" the hearts of those she loved and who loved her.

Published on October 23, 2016