Randall  "Randy" Scott Podein, 50, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 22, 2011 surrounded by his family and close friends, after a 2 ½  year battle with colon cancer.

Randy was born in Rochester, MN on September 13, 1960 to John "Jack" Podein and Marlys (Nelson) Podein.  He grew up in Rochester and loved playing football, baseball, hockey, working at the family trucking business, going on family vacations and helping his Grandpa John on his beef cattle farm.  In 1977 his family moved to Owatonna, and he graduated from Owatonna High School in 1978.

He worked at Office Depot, Musitronics and Cedar Inn while living in Owatonna, and in 1980 he began a job at Sherwin-Williams.  Little did he know that his boss there would turn out to be his future brother-in-law.   Randy rejoined his father and uncle working for the family trucking business back in Rochester in 1984 and drove back and forth with his Dad every day.  On August 24, 1985 he married Barbara Ann Klinkhammer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna.  In December, 1985 he and his bride moved to Rochester with the hopes of raising a family.  In June, 1990 Randy began working for Yellow Freight Systems in Rochester as a truck driver and dockman.   In 2007 the operation joined with the terminal in Owatonna and eventually became YRC, Inc.  He thoroughly enjoyed his job, his co-workers and his customers.   He was known for his kind gentle ways and many described him as a "gentle giant".  Randy kept working throughout his cancer treatments and rarely missed a day of work.  He maintained a high quality of life during his battle and died like he lived, with dignity and grace.

Randy enjoyed coaching or helping with youth hockey, baseball, soccer, football, and girls' fastpitch for many years while his children were growing up.  Many of Rochester's youth knew him as "coach".  He always encouraged his players to have fun and stay positive.  Randy also served as a board member of the Rochester Girls Faspitch Association and tournament director.

Randy's greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends grilling, golfing, sitting by the firepit and especially fishing and boating.  He was quick with a joke and always willing to help anyone.  He was especially popular with the nursing staff during his treatments because he was always so kind and positive.  He became famous for saying "It's All Good."

Randy is survived by his wife, Barb, of 25 ½ years, daughter Megan Podein ; twin sons Kevin  Podein and Corey Podein  all of Rochester;  mother Marlys Podein of Owatonna; brother Timothy (Mary) Podein of New Brighton;  sisters Kathryn "Kate" (Jeff) Glasenapp of Minneapolis and Jacquelyn "Jackie" Podein of Rochester;  several aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Podein, his sister-in-law Pamela (Klinkhammer) Heidzig and his grandparents.

A funeral service will held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with the Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Burial will follow the service at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Southeast Rochester.  After the burial a luncheon will be served back at Macken.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Memorials are suggested to the Randy Podein Fund c/o Eastwood Bank, Rochester, MN.