Randy was the oldest child of Roger and Shirley Peters, and big brother to Larry and Susan. Randy loved sports, playing almost all of them at Grundy High School, and went on to run track while studying math education at Wartburg College. Randy taught high school math for more than 30 years, mostly at Davenport Central, where his genuine care and concern, combined with his calm strength and dry wit, made him beloved to generations of students.
Randy was smitten with his beautiful wife, Marilyn, marrying in 1981, and was a loving and devoted dad to AJ, Claudia, Ryan and Sarah. As his kids grew up, married, and started their own families, Randy extended his friendship, generosity and kindness to their spouses, and doted on his many grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to coach them up and encourage them in their endeavors. Randy was the gentle and adored patriarch of his family.
Randy’s passion for sports combined with his gifts as a teacher brought him to coaching at Central, leading successful boys’ basketball teams, boys and girls cross country teams, and he is the only coach in Iowa high school track history to have won state championships in both boys and girls track. For years, Randy’s cross-country teams were hugely popular, with at least 80 kids coming out each season. Randy coached them all the same, keeping it loose and fun while pushing the athletes to develop their talents. He was inducted into the Iowa State High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2017, in recognition of his exceptional coaching career.
Randy was a tireless worker, painting houses in the Iowa summers with his lifelong teaching buddies, restoring his historic home near Vander Veer park, and always happy to lend a hand to friends and family on their projects. He worked as a realtor with Ruhl & Ruhl after retiring from teaching, many times helping his clients with repairs and upgrades to their homes, all for the good of the cause.
Randy was a lifelong sportsman, a dyed-in-the-wool Blue Devil and Hawkeye fan, a meat and potatoes guy, and an admirer of Whitey’s butterscotch malts. He was a voracious reader and loved watching westerns.
Randy lived as a Christian, a rock-solid pillar of his community, and a humble example of the teachings of Jesus – many people will long remember his service to others. A memorial service will be held at Cavalry Church of the Quad Cities, (4700 53rd St. Moline, IL) Friday, January 29th at 1 o’clock with celebration of life to follow. Donations in Randy’s honor may be made to Davenport Central High School Blue Devil Athletic Foundation and Calvary Church of the Quad Cities Outreach.
