Randy Praus, 57, Bismarck, formerly of South Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 13, 2025 at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck. Randy’s Liturgy of Word will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Deacon Bob Zent presiding. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a Rosary and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.
Randy was born on May 23, 1968, to John and Mary (Rambousek) Praus and grew up in South Heart, where he graduated from South Heart High School. While still in high school, Randy proudly enlisted in the Army National Guard of North Dakota, where he served for 10 years as a Retention NCO specializing in Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical training. During his service, he achieved the rank of Sergeant.
While enlisted, Randy pursued higher education, earning a two-year degree in Wildlife Management from the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. He later continued his studies at Dickinson State University, working toward a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During his time in Dickinson, he met the love of his life, Deborah Klemm.
Just as he was nearing completion of his degree—only two credits shy—Randy accepted a position as a brakeman with Burlington Northern Railroad. Before marrying Debbie in 1993, he was promoted to conductor. Later, when Burlington Northern merged with Santa Fe Railroad to become Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Randy achieved the position of locomotive engineer. Following his start with the railroad, Randy and Debbie made their home in Bismarck, where they shared many wonderful years together. He took great pride in his work and formed lasting friendships along the way.
Randy will be remembered for his generosity, positive attitude, and infectious smile. He shared a deep love with his wife, Debbie, and together they built a life filled with warmth, laughter, and love. At home, Randy adored his fur kids, Percy and Nesrin, who were his loyal buddies and always happy to welcome him home. He also had a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors—fishing, hunting, and finding peace in nature whenever he could.
Randy is survived by his wife, Deborah Praus of Bismarck; and his siblings Robert (Donna) Praus of Killdeer, Richard (Alena) Praus of Fargo, Raynald (Laura) Praus of Dickinson, Roger (Donna) Praus of Bismarck, Marjorie Brew of Dickinson, and Marlene (Richard) Novotny of Dickinson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Praus; his brother, Rodney Praus; and brother-in-law, Wilbur Brew.
