Randy Denham Obituary

Randy L. Denham, 68, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10-11am, Monday, June 10, 2024 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines. Funeral services will follow beginning at 11am. Cremation rites will follow the service.

Randy was born in Keokuk, Iowa on March 15, 1956, to Ruth Ann Pierce. Later in life, Ruth married Eugene Denham who adopted Randy during his childhood. Randy attended Clark County High School in Kahoka, Missouri, graduating in 1974. He grew up on their family farm in Kahoka with his siblings and played basketball for the Clark County Indians. Shortly after, Randy met and was married to Anita Esterday and had his first child, Randy Eugene Denham on July 13, 1980. They later divorced. Randy then met LaRae Beers and they were united in marriage on June 23, 1984. Their son Justin was born September 1, 1987. Randy and LaRae made their home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa and were set to celebrate 40 years together.

Randy worked in the convenience/grocery store industry for 30 years holding numerous customer service, sales and supervisory roles for Hy-Vee, Casey’s, and US Smokeless Tobacco. In his free time Randy and LaRae enjoyed time spent with family and friends. In particular they enjoyed playing cards together at the casino, weekly dinners at Now or Later Restaurant, and golfing. Randy was an avid baseball fan and regularly followed the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also a diehard Iowa Hawkeye Fan. His love for these sports was passed to his children and grandchildren and will forever be a part of his legacy. As they became grandparents Randy and LaRae enjoyed regularly attending their grandchildren’s baseball, softball, basketball, and football sporting events.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Ann and Eugene Denham; his brother, Mark Denham, and his niece, Erica Owen. Randy is survived by his wife, LaRae Denham; sons, Randy (Angela) Denham of Gilman, Iowa and Justin (Meagan) Denham of Des Moines, Iowa; six grandchildren, Sebastian Denham, Zachary Denham, Kadyn Denham, Adalyn Denham, Kameron Denham and Kayli Denham; one great-grandchild, Paislee Prior; mother-in-law, Georgia Beers; siblings, Melia Denham, Lisa (Brian) Denham-Greer and David Denham as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be made to Grandview Little League to honor his memory. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

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