Randy Pokorny, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, September 18th 2026 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow at a later date. A visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Randy Bud Pokorny, born May 14, 1950, in Burwell, Nebraska, lived a life filled with family, hard work, laughter, and countless memories that will be cherished forever.

Randy spent much of his childhood with his grandparents on their farm before moving to Stuart, Nebraska, with his mother during the eighth grade. During his high school years, he eventually moved in with his sister and brother-in-law, who became an important part of his life.

A gifted athlete, Randy’s love of basketball began at Stuart High School, where he set a school record with a career total of 1,875 points—accomplished before the three-point line existed. He twice scored 54 points in 2 games and had another game with 53 points. His talent earned him numerous basketball scholarship offers, and he chose to attend North Platte Junior College, where he played basketball for two years. His love of sports never faded, and he was proud to share his athletic talents and love of the game with his children and grandchildren.

In 1970, Randy married his high school sweetheart, Sue Kunz. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their four children in Winner, South Dakota. Randy and Sue later enjoyed watching their 12 grandchildren grow up and took great pride in being present for all of their activities and events. He rarely missed a thing.

Randy learned his carpentry skills from his stepfather, Bill Koos, beginning in 1969, and he carried that talent and passion throughout his life. He owned and operated his carpentry business until retiring in 2020. His ability to build, fix, and create was just one of the many ways he showed his love for his family and others.

Randy and Sue also shared a love of camping. What began with camping in a station wagon at a simple park eventually evolved into camping in a camper complete with a fireplace. They created many wonderful memories together along the way.

Some of Randy’s happiest hours were spent outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, enjoying a round of golf on a sunny day, and taking the mail route so he could check all of his traps. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved sharing those experiences with the people he loved.

And then there were the simple things that made Randy, Randy—a bowl of chili, a Busch Light, and a Husker game on television.

Randy had the biggest heart and a fun-loving personality that kept everyone around him laughing. He had a way of making memories out of ordinary moments, and those memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

His family feels incredibly blessed for the many years, stories, adventures, laughs, and memories they shared with him. While their hearts are broken by his passing, they find comfort knowing that he is now their very own special angel watching over them.

And knowing Randy, he has found the best seat in the house.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sue Pokorny; his children, Chad Pokorny (Becky McKeever), Drew, Logan, Joey (Jez),Rylee (Jessica),Rudy, Summit; Ryan Pokorny (Michele Schmidt) Nealey, Karsen, Max; Sara Swedlund (Tresh) Bella, Olivia, Savanna, and Lela; and Katie Craven (Aric) Ava, Carter, Cooper, and Crawston; as well as his brother-in-law, Kenny Steinhauser.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gert Koos; his father, John Pokorny; his stepfather, Bill Koos; and his sister, Sandra Steinhauser.

Randy’s legacy will live on through his family, his grandchildren, the skills he passed down, the stories that will continue to be told, and the laughter he brought into so many lives. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.