Randy was born in Burlington, April 21, 1957, on Easter Sunday. He was the son of Vernon L. Muntz and Charlotte Smith Muntz. His grandparents were Earl and Olive Muntz and Merle and Mabel Smith, both of Farmington, which have preceded him in death, as well as an infant brother, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Randy was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome after birth. A few weeks before Randy's second birthday, a near tragic event happened to his home. Randy had been in his crib for the night; a very short time later, the large, two story house was racked by a huge gas explosion, the explosion blew out all the downstairs windows along with other parts. Randy's crib alongside his parents' bed, only inches from a window, did not receive a shred of broken glass in it. Randy was picked up safely by his mother that night and carried out of the darkened house through a doorway blown out and lined with large nails protruding from it. All lights in the neighborhood were knocked out by the blast. Morning revealed broken glass from three windows and a large broken mirror had covered the floor and large bed in the bedroom where Randy's bed was located. Since he was so miraculously kept safe, we knew God had a special purpose for Randy's life.
He grew up as an active, healthy child. He attended preschool classes at five years old and later was enrolled in classes at Hope Haven School. This school was located in a private residence on North Hill in Burlington, when it was first organized by parents of handicapped children. Later, a new school building was built on Douglas Street, named Hope Haven, where Randy attended through age 18. He then entered into a work training program at Hope Haven Development Center. At age 24, he was accepted at Glenwood State Resource Center for extended training and care. He resided there 25 years, and received very helpful services and experiences.
His parents decided he enjoyed being home so much over all those years that it was time for him to return back to Burlington to enjoy his life with family and, especially, long-time friends at the Hope Haven Development Center. Randy always enjoyed many community activities; roller skating was one activity he enjoyed for many years along with being on a Burlington Special Olympics swim team, which won several gold medals. The Burlington Team was a pioneer in the swim division when the Special Olympics of Iowa was first started. Randy has enjoyed a collection of miniature farm toys and trucks which he displayed many ways. Favorite pastimes of his were going to visit the farm for a tractor hay rack ride or to take a pony ride and see the farm animals.
Randy had the pleasure of taking several trips. He's been across the Canadian border, as well as, the Mexican border to visit border cities. He attended summer camps during his teen years while he was a resident at Glenwood Resource Center. In later years, he enjoyed winter months at a south Texas RV Resort with his parents. Visiting the music shows, swimming, sight seeing and viewing the Pacific Ocean for the first time were great, fun experiences for Randy.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Randy will be 1:00 PM Thursday, April 3, 2025, at First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Larry Dodds officiating. Burial will be in Sharon Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for Imagine the Possibilities (formerly Hope Haven) and the Special Needs Foundation.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.