Randi's Vigil Service can be livestreamed at this link at 6:30 pm on March 10, 2022: https://youtu.be/mju9h1r467I

Randi Elizabeth Gerlach, age 20, was taken too soon from this world on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 11, 2022 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (1800 S Katie Ave, Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD). A wake will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Miller Funeral Home – Southside Chapel (7400 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD), with a Vigil prayer service to begin at 6:30 pm. To respect the family's privacy and mourning, it is asked that attendees do not arrive until the visitation is open to the public at 5:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the family in an effort to start a trust for Randi's 2-year old son, Michael David, donations to the family for funeral services, or a local or national women's advocacy group in Randi's name.

Randi's son, Michael, was her everything. She adored him and was proud of everything that he did. Randi was so protective and encouraging of Michael and they had a strong bond. He is a miniature version of Randi, blessed with her personality and tenacity. Together they explored the world to the best of their ability, visiting far and wide to places like Rapid City, the Mall of America, Arizona, and Las Vegas. Randi loved her family. She took the time and care to develop strong bonds with them, spending time and appreciating the moments they had together.

Randi was born to Jody Gerlach and Kara Riedel on October 28, 2001 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Even as a little girl, she was full of fire and energy. Randi was always moving, with a tenacious desire to learn and a constant drive to be active. She had a variety of interests and hobbies that she never shied from sharing with the world around her.

Randi's voice was tremendous. She was incredibly musical. Randi was honored to be a member of Roosevelt High School's First Ladies, a special women's choir, in her freshman year of High School. She sang in her Church's choir at St. Katharine Drexel, with a strong voice to help lead the congregation. Randi was never afraid to share her gifts and talents, and was comfortable singing solos and letting the world hear her voice. The memory of Randi singing Jesus Loves Me, at her uncle's funeral still plays in the heart of her family, as her gifts touched so many around her. Randi had an extreme appetite for learning. She also played piano and cello. If Randi wanted to learn a song, it wouldn't take her long to whip out her computer and look up the key. Randi appreciated music as much as she performed it, loving listening, and going to concerts and shows.

Randi was as athletic as she was musical. She was the only girl on the football team in 7 ^th grade, and her teammates took her seriously when they saw how hard she played. For someone so small, Randi took on the world like a giant and wouldn't back down. She had a mean left swing in softball and was a spectacular catcher. She also played basketball and soccer.

When Randi wanted to learn something, she took initiative; she was a petite girl with huge ambition. Randi was articulate and thoughtful on a variety of subjects. If a topic piqued her interest, she researched information and engaged others in conversation about it. Randi was intelligent and excelled at collegiate classes while still in high school. Randi's smarts showed through her humor as well. Fiesty and full of life, Randi had a knack for pulling pranks on her friends and family members.

As much as Randi was articulate about her interests, she also had a special ability to connect with others and speak comfort to them in their time of need. Randi was a caretaker, often putting others' needs before her own. She truly led her life with empathy. Randi was never bashful; she was curious and engaging with the people around her. She would share about herself and care so much about what others had to say that she easily made others comfortable with her. Randi was very out-going and loved making friends; once you were her friend, she did the best she could to take care of you. Randi valued family overall.

Grateful to have shared in Randi's vibrant and impactful life with her are her son, Michael David Gerlach; her parents, Kara (Chris Goetzinger) Riedel and Jody Gerlach; her siblings, Kiley (Jermaine) Riedel, Alex Riedel, Carsen Riedel, Zoey Goetzinger, and Jordyn (Nate) Barker; her grandparents, Karen Groeneveld, Bette Lee, and Gary and Kathy Goetzinger; her uncles, Jamie Gerlach, Kyle Gerlach, Kasey Gerlach, Tracy (Darla) Groeneveld, Tim (Jessica) Groeneveld,  and Andy (Caitlyn) Goetzinger; her aunts, Shawn Guenther, Melissa (William Gonzalez) Schumacher, and Janey (Corey) Diedrich; nieces and nephews, Elliannah Riedel, Cameron Moncrief, and Blakely Barker; and many cousins, extended family, and friends.

Randi is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Randy Gerlach and Donald Groeneveld; her dearest uncle, close bond, and son's namesake, Michael "Alec" Groeneveld; and her great-grandparents, Henry and Cora Schoffelman, George and Tillie Groeneveld, Leon and Fay Lee, and Albert and Linda Gerlach.

To help contribute to Randi's Funeral costs, donations may be made via Randi's GoFundMe Page .