Longtime Mitchell Parks and Recreation Director Randy Ahrendt passed away last week at the age of 72. Ahrendt served as parks and recreation director in Mitchell for 20 years. Ahrendt was born in Pierre and after graduating from Onida High School in 1970, joined the Army and graduated from SDSU with a degree in Park Management. He worked in the Watertown Park and Forestry Department before moving to Mitchell and becoming parks and recreation director. Upon his retirement, he was awarded with a key to the City of Mitchell. Randy Ahrendt is survived by his wife Anita and three children. Services were held this past weekend.