Randy R Schwantes

Randy R. Schwantes, age, 66 of Stratford, passed away peacefully on February 8th, in the Palliative Care Unit at Marshfield Medical Center, with his family by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be held Friday, February 14th from 9-12 at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (1010 E Veterans Parkway) in Marshfield, followed by a memorial service at Noon. A celebration of Randy’s life will also take place on Friday, at The Cellar Sports Bar & Grill, in Stratford from 1-3 pm.

Randy was born April 10th, 1958, to Roger and Darlene (Cepress) Schwantes of Marshfield. He attended Marshfield High School and entered the work force at Rollohome Corporation in Marshfield, at the young age of 17. He then worked at Wick Building Systems for 25 years, before retiring from Marathon Cheese, after 12 years.

After high school he had his first son Josh. He later met Cindy Kiehl, and gained 3 stepchildren, before having a second son, Luke. After Cindy passed, Randy fell in love with Beth Stewart and they later married on September 27th, 2014, adding 2 additional stepsons.  

Randy and Beth loved to spend time with their family and friends, especially his little princess Maggie and his buddy Wilbur.  They loved to take rides on their Harley or bum around town in their UTV. You could catch him from time to time driving around town on his little scooter. Camping was a big part of their lives together, so they purchased a Motor home a few years ago to travel with Maggie and Wilbur. Much time was spent with family and friends sitting around campfires listening to and singing old country music. Randy was the life of the party and made everyone laugh and smile, he always had stories to tell, some were a bit inappropriate but terribly funny.

Many of Randy’s younger years were filled with bowling leagues, pool tournaments, Nascar meetings on the deck, Saturday nights at the Speedway, and summer days at Ray’s Ruff. He also spent much of his time behind the bar at Bey’s in Marshfield, where he formed many of his lifelong friendships.

Randy treasured every moment with all his grandchildren, but the youngest Jade, held a special place in his heart. Jade had weekly sleepovers at Papa and Mimi’s house filled with UTV “buggy” rides, playground adventures, indoor fun on rainy days and many other silly activities. To Jade, her Papa was her best friend.

Randy is survived by his wife, Beth, his sons Josh (Amy) Schwantes, Luke (Myranda) Schwantes, and stepchildren, Shelley (Jeff) Downey, Kim (Jim) Lau, Craig (Sara) Griesbach, Eric (Pamela) Stewart, Jason (Stephanie) Stewart and former son-in-law Mark Babcock. 

He was blessed with 16 grandchildren, Dustin (Hannah), Cole and Carter Babcock, Teryn Kuse (Justin), Regynn and Bodyn Lau, Makayla, Brayden and Molly Schwantes, Owen, Lillian, Emma and Willa Griesbach, Jade Schwantes, Olivia and Evelyn Stewart and one great grandchild, Blakely Babcock.

He is further survived by his sisters Cheryl Schwantes and Lisa (Alan) Reed and his half-sister Rochelle (Johnny) Lofton, his father-in-law Harry Untiedt, brother-in-law Jeff, sisters-in-law Susan and Debbie, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Randy was preceded in death by his beloved companion Cindy Kiehl, his mother Darlene, father Roger, brother Lonnie, and mother-in-law Patricia Untiedt. 

Randy’s family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leon, his Oncology doctor, and his staff and the entire Palliative Care team for their generosity, dedication, and unwavering support throughout Randy’s cancer journey.

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