Randi Wenz

Funeral Services for Randi Wenz, 69, of Baker were held September 8, 2021 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with Pastor Jim Biswell officiating. Burial followed in the Bonnievale Cemetery in Baker.

Randi K. (Bergstrom) Wenz, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on September 3, 2021. She was born on July 28, 1952 in Ekalaka, daughter of Robert and Charlotte (Steen) Bergstrom. She joined her brothers, Rob and Butch on the family farm east of Willard. Randi loved horses and began riding at the age of 3. She attended school at the Hidden Water School for two years and then the 101 School until the 8th grade, when she moved to Baker to attend High School. She told many times riding her favorite pony Stubby to school when the weather allowed.

Randi started rodeoing at age eight, often competing against the ladies and did well. She participated in Little Britches and youth rodeos. Her events were barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying and breakaway roping, winning many trophies and buckles. She continued her love of rodeo during high school and after she was married. When she moved to Baker to attend high school where she graduated, she met Doug. They were married on March 14, 1970 in Baker in the Community Church. She was a member of Baker Community Church for 47 years until the UCC became too liberal and Doug and her decided they had to leave.

Randi and Doug made their home in Baker where later their son Damon was born at the hospital in Baker. She wasn't much of a cook at first but learned well after experimenting on her family. Randi learned to bake kuchen and cinnamon rolls from her mother-in-law, she was very good at this and she shared it with her neighbors as well. Later grandchildren, Brooke and Hailey would love coming to the farm for Grandma's goodies.

Randi and her family enjoyed camping, fishing and rodeos. Randi and Doug also team roped together and enjoyed just riding horses. Randi also judged youth rodeos and in the 4-H programs, helping kids with their horses. She and Doug were very active in the Spartans Sports Boosters when Damon was in school.

Later, Randi worked part time at the Veterinary clinic and the Baker Livestock Auction for many years and was a substitute teacher at Baker High School for several years. Her love of horse racing began when she worked for a race horse trainer who came to Baker with his horses. She and Doug went on to run their own race horses and they did very well. After Damon graduated from high school, she and Doug moved to the farm where they made their home. When Doug's Dad retired from the farm, she began another career of being a farmer, one that she would love forever. Randi also had a love for animals, she had many barn cats and farm dogs over the years. People often would say they wanted to come back as one of Randi's animals. She and Doug farmed side by side for many years until she was diagnosed with lung cancer in May of 2020 when they made the decision to lease the farm.

With the arrival of twin granddaughters in September of 2008, Brooke and Hailey, they brought so much enjoyment to her life. At an early age she instilled her love of horses into them and they loved the farm too. Randi loved making her homemade pizza and the girls were eager to help when they were here. Randi and Doug loved going to the Black Hills camping and going to the NFR and other rodeos. They also volunteered at the State High School rodeo held in Baker for many years.

Randi is survived by her husband Doug of 51 years, son Damon and grandchildren Brooke and Hailey, of Billings MT, daughter Diane (Verlyn) of George Iowa, brothers Rob Bergstrom of Mission SD, and Butch (Joann) Bergstrom of Sheridan WY, children Bo and Jay Bergstrom, brothers-in-law Warren (Sue) Wenz of Great Fall MT, children Jennifer and Tim and Bradley (Shari) Wenz of Missoula MT, children Tom and Keli, her uncle Gordon (Jan) Steen of Baker MT, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Charlotte Bergstrom and in-laws Karl and Erna Wenz.

Memorials may be given to the Fallon County 4-H youth program.