Chuck Randall

Charles D. Randall, 90, passed away peacefully, unexpectedly at home on Thursday, September 24.  The middle of three children, he was born on August 3, 1936 - an exceptionally hot summer day in Ripon, Wisconsin -  to Donald and Evelyn Gady Randall.  Known to many as Chuck and Mr. Randall– but best of all as husband, Dad, and Umpa his life was a testament to kindness, perseverance, resilience, self-sacrifice, and love.  His was truly a life well-lived.  

Chuck’s growing up years were spent in Green Lake and later, Oshkosh.  After graduating in 1955 from Oshkosh High School, he attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois.  As was customary, he then enrolled at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee in Fall 1958 to complete his education he had begun at Moody.  While at Bryan College, he was a valuable member of the college’s baseball team and was nominated for student body vice-president.  His time at Bryan was interrupted with a draft notice from the US Army.  

Chuck was a proud soldier who spent time at Fort Riley Kansas, Fort Ord California, and Fort Bragg North Carolina.  He became the company commander’s driver and earned the rank of SP-4 before being honorably discharged home to Wisconsin. Chuck’s army memories were very important to him and he loved to tell stories about the experiences he had during his service days.  His Army scrapbook is replete with memories and experiences. 

Through his determination and God’s leading, Chuck enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  This proved to be a pivotal and significant moment in his life.  It was here he met the love of his life, Julie, on a blind double date set up by friends from church.  Julie was pursuing a degree in education when she and Chuck met and he later credited her sweet influence as the reason he chose to be a teacher himself.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies in 1966.  He went on to complete his Master’s Degree with a Master of Science in Teaching - History from UWO in 1973.  

Chuck and Julie moved to Neenah and were both hired to begin the 1966-1967 school year together.  Chuck was on the faculty that opened the newly constructed James B. Conant Junior High School.  He spent 32 years as a social studies teacher impacting countless students at Conant and then later Shattuck Junior High and Horace Mann Middle schools.  While he loved teaching geography and cultural studies, he may have best been known for the way he could tell a “Mr. Randall joke”, use a ‘straight edge’ to make his already impeccable penmanship even sharper, or show slides from a family vacation to enhance a lesson.  Many knew he was a proud Ford Mustang owner, often participating in the Homecoming parades.  His legacy as a teacher goes beyond the subject area he taught—he showed up every day pouring out his kindness and love to everyone at school whether a colleague or student.  His legacy as a teacher and mentor was not only impactful but beautiful.  

Chuck was also a skilled carpenter.  He spent many summers working for a contractor building houses all around Neenah in the 1970s and 1980s.  He often pointed out homes he had helped to build with a sense of pride and job well-done.  His own home is a showcase of his meticulous carpentry abilities and his basement workbench tells a story of a gifted craftsman.

Upon retirement, Chuck and Julie traveled the United States on numerous bus trips.  Branson, Missouri was a favorite destination for Chuck as was Alaska and Hawaii.  They spent many happy times with friends and family on those bus trips.  Chuck also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise with Julie and Kristin.  Traveling across the United States, the land that he loved, was an important season of life for Chuck.  

Being a part of the congregation at Calvary Bible Church for almost 50 years, Chuck served in a variety of ways.  He was an usher, worked in the AWANA boys club, occasionally sang in the choir including a one-year cameo appearance in the Living Christmas Tree production.  He and Julie loved being greeters together, welcoming people as they walked through the doors on Sundays or special events.  Chuck also hosted a home men’s Bible study for many years.  It was a great joy for him to lead the study from God’s Word and foster rich friendships.

Chuck’s greatest pride and greatest treasure was his family.  He married Julie on August 10, 1963 and together they shared a beautiful life for 63 years.  Chuck was the original “girl dad” of Sara and Kristin and the grandpa of Carly who was named after him.  He believed fiercely in the importance of family and strove to make his home a place of safety, order, beauty, and love for his family.  He loved Christmas gatherings in the winter and a good patio cook-out in the summer.  Chuck worked hard physically and emotionally to make sure his girls had exactly what they needed in every way possible.  He was a provider and protector until his last day.  

The foundation of Chuck’s life was built solidly on his love for the Lord.  From an early age, he knew the Lord and trusted in him for all things.  His life verse was Proverbs 3: 5-6 which says:

              “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." 

Chuck trusted the Lord.

Chuck loved the Lord.

Chuck followed the Lord.

Chuck is the Lord’s and because of this, we know he is safely in the presence of Jesus…and there’s no better place to be. 

Chuck will be dearly missed by his wife, Julie, his daughters Sara (Bruce) Kokko, Kristin Randall, and granddaughter Carly (Ryan) Bowman, and great-grandson Jordan Bowman.  He is further survived by his sister Nancy Splittgerber, brother-in-law Jon Smith (Phyllis), cousins, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Chuck’s life was one of service, kindness, integrity, and love.  The family invites all who knew Chuck to a celebration of life service on Friday October 2nd at Westgor Funeral Home in Neenah, officiated by Dr. Harry Shields.  Visitation begins at 1:00pm and will continue until the time of service at 3:00pm.  A reception will follow and all are invited to celebrate the remarkable life well-lived by Chuck Randall:
Christ-follower, husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, colleague, neighbor, mentor, and friend.