Randy Scott Gutman

Randy Scott Gutman, 66, of Hoffman, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, with a public visitation beginning one hour prior.

Born May 14, 1958, in Minneapolis, Randy was the youngest of three children to Geraldine and Donald Gutman. From an early age, it was clear Randy had energy to spare and a zest for life. He was the kind of kid who could tumble, flip, and dive his way into anything—excelling in gymnastics, diving, and Judo before graduating from Kennedy High School. He wasn’t just athletic—he was fearless, fun-loving, and always up for a challenge.

Randy's love of adventure stayed with him throughout his life. Whether he was snow skiing down steep slopes, tearing through snow-covered trails on a snowmobile, or gliding across the lake as “Superman” with the Prior Lake Water Ski Club, Randy lived life with boldness and joy. Slalom waterskiing remained his favorite thrill, a symbol of the grace and power he carried both on and off the water.

While attending St. Cloud State University, Randy’s life took a romantic turn when he met Mary Larson while working at D.B. Searle’s Restaurant. The two quickly fell in love, marrying on July 15, 1983. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep devotion to their children—welcoming Gabrielle Nichole and Lucas Tyler while Mary completed her psychology degree. With a degree in Computer Science, Randy dove headfirst into the tech world, balancing a fast-paced career with his role as a hands-on, always-up-for-anything dad. Road trips, ski trips, and weekends at Lake Minnewaska were treasured chapters in their family story.

Randy was never one to sit still. He and Mary bought and ran an A&W Restaurant in Columbia Heights—a move that reflected Randy’s entrepreneurial spirit. At the same time, he launched his own consulting firm, Excalibur Inc., working with major clients like American Express and Allstate. Eventually, he was recruited by Allstate in Chicago, but Minnesota was always home. They later settled in the quiet countryside of Hoffman, where the family grew to include horses (eight of them!), beloved pets, and a life rich in community.

Randy wasn’t just about hard work—he knew how to play hard too. Winters in Tucson, Arizona became a joyful tradition, where he and Mary would trail ride through the desert on horseback or cruise the Catalina Mountains on their Indian Motorcycle. Summers often found them winding through the Black Hills of South Dakota, living their best lives on two wheels and open water.

A proud member of the Douglas County Posse, Randy gave back to the community he loved, often volunteering at local events. He could fix just about anything. Whether it was a broken appliance, a family project, or a friend in need, Randy showed up with a smile, a solution, and probably a joke or two. His sense of humor was magnetic, and he had a gift for bringing joy to those around him.

Randy’s passing, after recovering from an extensive back surgery, came far too soon. True to his generous nature, he became a tissue donor, giving life and healing to others.

Randy is survived by his wife, Mary Larson-Gutman; his children: Gabrielle Larson-Gutman (James Dyrdahl) and Lucas Larson-Gutman (Tia Sandy); and his beloved granddaughter, Kenzie Sandy. He also leaves behind his brother Ronald Gutman, sister Susan Gutman (Casey Whisenhunt), sister-in-law Elizabeth Larson (Mander Thompson), and cherished nieces and nephews: Jessica (Jerry) Sanchez, Travis Gutman, Elizabeth Gutman, and Kalene (Andrew) Setrin.

He is reunited in peace with his parents, Geraldine Barney and Donald Gutman; stepfather Garold Barney; dear friend John Pope; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made in Randy’s honor—an enduring tribute to a man who gave so much, loved so deeply, and lived so fully.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Randy’s honor are preferred.