Randy Lee Birge, 63, of Potomac, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, August 18, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 18, 1960, in Urbana, the son of Thomas and Nancy (Manthei) Birge.  He married Valerie Wesley on October 10, 1986, in Gifford, Illinois.  She survives.

He is also survived by daughter- Elizabeth Birge of Potomac; son-Zachary (Arianna) Birge of Potomac; mother-Nancy (Thomas) Unzicker of Rush, Colorado; father- Thomas (Rebecca) Birge of Leroy, Illinois; sister- Angela (Brad) Schmeisher of Clearwater, Florida; step-sister- Theresa (Donnie) Watkins of Defiance, Ohio; four step-brothers- Dan Unzicker of Danville, Illinois, Dave (Marilyn) Unzicker of Westville, Illinois, Bill (Lisa) Unzicker of Danville, Illinois and Rick (Cheryl) Marteeny of Edwardsville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents- Ann and Nick Nicholas and maternal grandparents- Ed and Betty Manthei.

Randy graduated from Centennial High School, in 1979 and later graduated from Parkland College, with her associate’s degree, in construction and building maintenance and a certificate in heating and cooling.  He served in the United States Army, from 1981 to 1984 and later served in the reserves until 2002.  He worked for several years in building maintenance at Lincoln’s Challenge, in Rantoul and later worked for the Army Corp of Engineers, in Champaign.  Randy was a member of the Potomac Church of the Nazarene.  He enjoyed riding his Harley, going to antique shops and flea markets with his wife and spending time with his children.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Potomac Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Randy Holden officiating.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the church.  According to his wishes cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials may be made in Randy’s name to the Potomac Church of the Nazarene.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, to assist them in honoring Randy’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.