Randy Vetter

Randy Vetter, age 74, of Aurora, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 17, 2025. 
Randy’s wishes were to be cremated and to have a service when the weather was warmer. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Aurora United Methodist Church. Rev. Michelle Reed will officiate. The service will be live streamed on the church’s website. Please go to www.umcaurora.org, scroll down and click on livestream. A private inurnment will take place following the memorial service. Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to the family through the mortuary website and higbymortuary.com. 
Randall “Randy” Lee Vetter, the son of Robert “Bob” J. and Bernice Roberta “Bobbie” (Herron) Vetter, was born in Grand Island, Nebr., on Nov. 15, 1950, and passed away in Aurora, Nebr., on March 17, 2025, at the age of 74. 
Randy grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1969. Then in 1970, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1974 and returned to Aurora. In the years following, Randy became a father to Jessica and Troy. Randy also began a long career in the trucking industry. He later switched gears, enjoying his work at Koch Industries for several years before retiring in 2016. Randy was a member of the Aurora United Methodist Church.
In 1996, Randy and Lorena Garrett blended their two families and created their home together in Aurora. They enjoyed live music, traveling to different national parks, and visiting family on their trips. They also shared a deep and reciprocal love for their little dog, Ginger. Randy and Ginger especially loved cruising around town in his pickup.
Randy was an avid outdoorsman. He liked fishing on his pontoon, pheasant hunting, gardening, and mowing his lawn. He also enjoyed rides on his Harley, and driving his ’37 Ford Slantback. He loved tending to his backyard “pets.” Randy liked to tell a good joke and scare people whenever he got the chance. Randy was keen on holiday gatherings and loved the opportunity to get together with his family or friends. He developed lifelong friendships and discovered a love for Cajun-style food in Shreveport, La. But, Randy truly cherished Aurora and could often be found at a local auction, socializing and searching for relics. He collected guns and knives. Randy was passionate about classic cars and enjoyed watching Mecum auctions. While in Arizona, he even got to attend a Barrett Jackson classic car auction with Frank, which was a highlight for him.
Randy was proceeded in death by his parents; infant brother, Rendall Vetter; grandson, Carter Vetter; brother, Frank Vetter; and Lorena’s father, Jon Pahl. 
Those left to cherish his memory are his faithful partner, Lorena; children, Jessica  (Brian) Piontek, of Lincoln; Troy (Lisa) Vetter of Lincoln; Vicki (Tim) Wylie of Aurora; and Allison Garrett (Matt Mueller) of Grand Island; siblings Vicki (Jim) Zikmund of Kearney; Clark (Peggy) Vetter of Franklin; and sister-in-law, Kathy Vetter of Sedona, Ariz.; cherished grandchildren, Kahle, Isabella, Nolan, and Lucille; nephews, Tom (Sara) Zikmund, of Alma; Steve (Ashley) Zikmund of Kearney; niece, Katherine (Michael) Greiss of Bennington, and nephew, Adam (Kara) Vetter of Red Cloud; great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, Lorena’s siblings, as well as many other relatives and friends.