Randall Kent Mietzner

Randall Kent Mietzner was born on Jan. 26, 1951, in Wendell, Idaho. He died Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, of multisystem failure to thrive following a neck injury that occurred in June of 2023.

He graduated from Quincy High School in 1969, playing basketball there and at Wenatchee Valley College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972, reaching the position of sonar technician third class, serving until 1978. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Washington University in 1980, he worked for 22 years as a systems analyst in the IT department at Washington State University. He played on numerous rec league basketball and softball teams in Whitman County. He retired in 2005 after developing a genetic eye condition, Leber type 2 optic neuropathy, which left him legally blind.

Randall got his first motorcycle in 1965 and joined the WetLeather motorcycle group in the 1990s where he was a frequent storyteller known as “BlackBear.” He also enjoyed cooking, baseball, science fiction, and listening to his radio. You can find several of his recipes posted at wetleather.com/recipes.

His parents preceded him in death: Everett (2017), and Marian (2007). He is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Kevin) Showalter and Angela (Ryan) Largent; sisters Kathleen (Alan) Clayton and Kristine Mietzner; five grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the following for their recent support: Pullman Regional Family Medicine and Palliative Care teams, Precious Elders, Gritman Medical Center, Regency Assisted Living and his dear friend Brenda Cox.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a local charity that supports victims of domestic violence. A graveside service will be held Saturday April 13, at the Quincy Valley Cemetery.