Rand Thacker

Rand Thacker of Waukee, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on February 18, 2025, at Kavanagh House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa, with family by his side. His family wishes to thank the staff at Kavanagh House for the exceptional care provided to Rand during his final days.
Rand was born November 3, 1942, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, and graduated high school from Indianola, Iowa.
After high school he served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Okinawa for a four-year tour.
After his time in the Air Force, he met his wife of 56 years, Judy Thacker and they raised their family of four children. Rand retired from United Airlines after serving as an agent for 38 years.
He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church with his family.
Rand is survived by his sister Reta Moore of Clyde, California; his wife Judy Thacker, son Tom (Pam) Farris, daughter Lori Brink (Russ Graber), daughter Eden (Kent) Blomgren, grandchildren: Zach Farris, Larissa (Matt) Hatting, Amber (Scott) Elliott, Anna and Abigail Blomgren, as well as his great-grandchildren Jaxon and Khloe Farris, Vanessa Twitty, Khloe Kessler, Trace Hatting, Brody and Bryce Elliott.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Hitchings of Poulsbo, Washington.
Per his wishes, there will be a private family memorial service held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Rand Thacker is requesting memorial contributions be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. Attn: Donations 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313-2528.