Randy Lee Kouri, '62, died on March 2, 2011 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.Randy Kouri, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away March 2, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 67.
Randy Lee Kouri was born on October 13, 1943, in Santa Monica, CA, to Edward and Elizabeth (Powers) Kouri. At age 9, he moved to Sioux Falls with his father and sister to be nearer to their family. He graduated from high school at Boys Town, Omaha, NE, in 1962. Randy then returned to Sioux Falls where he began working at O'Connor Printing. Randy joined the SD Air National Guard in 1964.
He was united in marriage with Marcia Pederson on October 2, 1965, in Sioux Falls. In 1970, Randy established his own insurance agency.
Randy was a man of deep faith, and was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of Westward Ho Country Club, the YMCA, and several civic clubs and organizations. Throughout the years, Randy coached, sponsored, and was active as an umpire with a number of youth sports including baseball, softball, and basketball. In 1981, Randy was honored as the recipient of the Sportsman of the Year Award from the B'nai B'rith.
Randy always looked forward to springtime when he could get out to go golfing. He was an avid Racquetball player, winning 35 Men's "A" Division championships. He was well known for the Syrian Open - a racquetball invitational; and for developing the Family-to-Family Golf Tournament to benefit families in need.
Throughout the decades of coaching youth sports, Randy was always quick to praise the strengths of his young athletes and had the ability to quietly change any weaknesses into personal victories. This was a coaching trait that was not forgotten by his team players. Throughout the years, Randy was humbled by former players that would approach him with words of thanks for being the inspiration to their individual achievements.
Randy was humbled by the kindness of people; he was overjoyed by the love given to him by his grandchildren; and he became personally fulfilled when witnessing the success of others. He cherished time spent with his family, and was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa.
Supportive, loving and kind, Randy's generous spirit will be forever treasured by all that knew him.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Marcia; daughter, Kim Kouri; son, Bryan Kouri and his wife, Dana; grandchildren, Lauren, Jorgen, Katelyn and Brayden, all of Sioux Falls; sisters, Penny McCormick, Buena Park, CA, Shelly Bailey and her husband, Doug, Cypress, CA; and special aunt and uncle, Bob and Lillian Williams of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at Miller Funeral Home from noon to 2:30 Sunday afternoon and will resume at Holy Spirit Catholic Church where the Rosary will be said at 4:00. At 5:00, a scripture service will be held at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the SD Special Olympics; or the "Reach" Foundation, a program for enhancing education in the Catholic schools for children with special needs of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese.
A special note of thanks is extended to Dr. Michael Keppen, the oncology nursing staff, and the Medical Oncology "C" Wing of Sanford Health for their exceptional and loving care provided to Randy.
Randy Lee Kouri was born on October 13, 1943, in Santa Monica, CA, to Edward and Elizabeth (Powers) Kouri. At age 9, he moved to Sioux Falls with his father and sister to be nearer to their family. He graduated from high school at Boys Town, Omaha, NE, in 1962. Randy then returned to Sioux Falls where he began working at O'Connor Printing. Randy joined the SD Air National Guard in 1964.
He was united in marriage with Marcia Pederson on October 2, 1965, in Sioux Falls. In 1970, Randy established his own insurance agency.
Randy was a man of deep faith, and was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of Westward Ho Country Club, the YMCA, and several civic clubs and organizations. Throughout the years, Randy coached, sponsored, and was active as an umpire with a number of youth sports including baseball, softball, and basketball. In 1981, Randy was honored as the recipient of the Sportsman of the Year Award from the B'nai B'rith.
Randy always looked forward to springtime when he could get out to go golfing. He was an avid Racquetball player, winning 35 Men's "A" Division championships. He was well known for the Syrian Open - a racquetball invitational; and for developing the Family-to-Family Golf Tournament to benefit families in need.
Throughout the decades of coaching youth sports, Randy was always quick to praise the strengths of his young athletes and had the ability to quietly change any weaknesses into personal victories. This was a coaching trait that was not forgotten by his team players. Throughout the years, Randy was humbled by former players that would approach him with words of thanks for being the inspiration to their individual achievements.
Randy was humbled by the kindness of people; he was overjoyed by the love given to him by his grandchildren; and he became personally fulfilled when witnessing the success of others. He cherished time spent with his family, and was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa.
Supportive, loving and kind, Randy's generous spirit will be forever treasured by all that knew him.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Marcia; daughter, Kim Kouri; son, Bryan Kouri and his wife, Dana; grandchildren, Lauren, Jorgen, Katelyn and Brayden, all of Sioux Falls; sisters, Penny McCormick, Buena Park, CA, Shelly Bailey and her husband, Doug, Cypress, CA; and special aunt and uncle, Bob and Lillian Williams of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at Miller Funeral Home from noon to 2:30 Sunday afternoon and will resume at Holy Spirit Catholic Church where the Rosary will be said at 4:00. At 5:00, a scripture service will be held at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the SD Special Olympics; or the "Reach" Foundation, a program for enhancing education in the Catholic schools for children with special needs of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese.
A special note of thanks is extended to Dr. Michael Keppen, the oncology nursing staff, and the Medical Oncology "C" Wing of Sanford Health for their exceptional and loving care provided to Randy.