Randy LaGrander, age 70, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 12, after a lifetime of hard work and dedication to the Stanley-Boyd area.
Born April 22, 1954 at Marshfield to Dannie and Lorraine LaGrander, Randy went on to grow up in Stanley-Boyd, graduating from Stanley-Boyd High School with the Class of 1972. During high school Randy participated in sports, even being named most valuable player for the 1971 Stanley-Boyd football team in his senior year.
More than sports, however, LaGrander was known for his dedication to cheesemaking. Earning his cheesemaker’s license at age 15, he later earned Master Cheesemaker Certifications in Colby, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar as well.
Marrying Sandy Gerrits at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Boyd on November 4, 1972, Randy went on to follow his father Dannie into the cheesemaking business. Longtime family friend and retired business owner Ron Haas paid tribute to LaGrander’s cheese making skills.
“Hardworking family,” Haas said, having sourced cheese curds from the Dairy. “They do a good job.”
Son Ryan LaGrander shared more about Randy’s legacy and dedication, both to his family and the cheesemaking business.
“He grew up in Stanley and lived here his whole life,” Ryan said. “He was a cheesemaker and took a lot of pride in that. He taught my brother Joe and I everything he knew about cheesemaking.”
Speaking of LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy, Ryan said Randy had helped lay the foundation, alongside father Dannie LaGrander.
“He and grandpa helped lay the foundation and he was instrumental in making us what we are today,” Ryan said.
A Celebration of Life for Randy is planned for Sunday, July 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Stanley Community Center in Chapman Park at Stanley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A full obituary appears on page 7 of this week’s issue.
