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Randy Ambers died May 21, 2010 at the age of 89 years, 11 days at The Villages of North Branch (Minnesota).

He was born May 10, 1921 in Pelican Rapids, MN to Christian and Minnie (Berg) Ambers. Randy was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, son Randy and daughter Judy as well as his parents, three older sisters (Florence, Evelyn and Agnes) and two older brothers (Maurice and Oliver).

He is survived by son David (Betty) of North Branch, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. The grandchildren are Tim and Terry Guishard of San Diego, California, Jill (Jake) Hasbargen of Birchdale, MN, Kelli (Aaron) Perrault of Shakopee, MN and Casey (Jon) Thiel of Lindstrom, MN.

He had the opportunity to visit with seven of his nine great grandchildren in his final days.

His family moved to Fargo, ND when he was five. Randy attended school and graduated from Fargo Central School in 1939. After graduation, he worked for the Gamble Robinson Company in Fargo. He started in the warehouse and worked his way up. In August, 1942 he joined the US Army, served in the 6th Army in North Africa and was seriously wounded in Italy. With Purple Heart in hand, he was discharged in November, 1945. After separation from the service, he returned to Gamble Robinson, where he took his first sales job. He later sold AAA memberships before turning to automobile sales. On January 16, 1947 his life changed dramatically when he married Charlotte Nystrom. Together, they raised their three children in Fargo until 1955, when the Ambers moved to Bemidji. Randy continued selling cars, first at Smith Sales and Service, then at Land of Lakes Motors (which became Dibble, then Dondelinger Chevrolet-Buick) until his retirement in 1984. During and after his sales career, he was active in a variety of business and service organizations in Bemidji. He was a member of the Elks and VFW as well as the American Legion (63 years) and was a lifetime member of the Eagles.

In retirement, Randy and Charlotte enjoyed visiting with, and entertaining friends at "the lake," dining at various Bemidji area restaurants, dancing and spending time with their children and grandchildren. A year after Charlotte's sudden death in 1994, Randy moved to North Branch to be near his son and family.

A graveside service will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Bemidji. His cremains will be interred alongside his wife and son, Randy. Military honors will be presented by the Ralph Gracie Post of the American Legion.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch. Condolonces may be left at grandstrandfh.com.

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