Randi Lee VanBrocklin (Olson) (nee Arlander)

Randi was born in Minneapolis to Theodore and Valborg (Petie) Arlander. She lived with her family in NE Minneapolis until she was 12, when the Arlanders moved to South Minneapolis.​

Randi attended Washburn High School, graduating in 1956. She then went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she received a BA in Art. At the U of M, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She was very active in her Sorority and spent many years serving on the House Committee after graduating.

While attending the U of M, Randi met Terry Olson whom she married on September 19, 1959. They lived in Kileen, TX; Pierre, SD; and Fargo, ND, due to Terry's Army service and his work with the Associated Press. Terry was killed in an auto accident in 1965. Afterwards, Randi moved back to Minneapolis and started a job at the Minneapolis Sun Newspaper. It was there that she met a widower with three young boys, named Clair VanBrocklin. Randi and Clair were married on April 1, 1967 and Randi became a mother to Wayne (4), James (3), and Michael (18 months). Clair and Randi completed their family with a daughter, Heidi, born later that year. They moved to Westview Drive in Deephaven, MN. It took Randi two years to realize being a stay at home mother was not her thing and she returned to the work force as the Art Director for Royal Stationary in Plymouth, MN where she worked until the company was sold in 1984.​

After she left Royal Stationary, Randi worked part-time at Deephaven Cleaners and eventually went on to own and operate her own business, "Pack & Fax" in Deephaven. She knew everyone in Deephaven, and all the news. People would stop in just to chat everyday. Randi became ill in 2002 and needed to close Pack & Fax. She sold her home in Deephaven and moved to her new mother-in-law apartment in Roseville, MN with her daughter, Heidi; son-in-law, Todd; and her three grandchildren, Marit, Rob and Will. Her health returned, and she immediately set about immersing herself in her new community. Randi volunteered for 15 years with the Roseville Senior Center Meals on Wheels program, and the craft shop at the community center. She knew so many people and most of the news. She spent her extra time gardening, taking care of her grandkids, going to their sporting events, concerts and plays. When she retired from community service, she still went to the senior center twice a week to play bridge.

​Randi is preceded in death by her parents, Theo W. and Valborg Arlander; and brother, Fred Arlander.​

Randi is survived by her brother, Todd (Dawn) Arlander; sister-in-law, Maxine Arlander; sons, Wayne (Patty) VanBrocklin, Jim (Lynda Lucas) VanBrocklin and Mike (Annie)  VanBrocklin; daughter, Heidi (Todd) Anderson; grandchildren, Heather (Zach) Johnson, Matt VanBrocklin, Marit Anderson (Zach Fritz), Rob Anderson and Will Anderson; many nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, and so many friends who loved her.​

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, July 12 at ROSEVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1215 W. Roselawn Ave., Roseville. Visitation will be held from 2-5 PM Sunday, July 11 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME - ROSEVILLE, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd B, and also at the church from 10-11 AM on Monday, July 12.​

Memorials preferred to the Roseville Senior Center Meals on Wheels Program.