To the Editor:

It is the end of an era with the passing of Blue Earth’s local historian, Randall Pemberton.

Randall was a highly educated man, graduating from many prestigious colleges and universities…yet he was comfortable talking to people from every walk of life…especially children.

After teaching in several school districts throughout Minnesota, he was happy to return to his home, Blue Earth. He was active with our schools and civic organizations, trying to continue the legacy of Blue Earth being a fine place to grow up and to live. People from all over the United States would contact him to find out about Faribault County history or about genealogy.

With his sharp mind and quick wit he would always have a story to go along with the information. He remembered almost every child’s name that he taught along with some nice story about them.

He was a kind and gentle man always wanting to give back. When people would call him Mr. Pemberton he’d say, “No, that was my dad – just call me Randall.”

The last few years, when he was unable to participate in local activities he still would drive around town every day just to keep up with what was going on.

This last year was especially hard for him as he had to give up a lot of his independence, moving into St Luke’s. With the wonderful care that he received from the staff at St Luke’s he was able to make the adjustment and call that his home.

Randall had a positive attitude about everything in life. The town of Blue Earth and its people will truly miss Randall, our town’s historian and true gentleman.

Cathy and Joe Fox

Blue Earth