Randy Freeman left us on September 25th, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved him the most.

Randy was born on October 29, 1955, to the late Orin Freeman and Olive “Ollie” (Merkey) Freeman. He was born and raised on a farm, and that way of life stayed with him throughout his entire life.

Randy worked at Oshkosh Truck for more than 37 years before retiring. Retirement, however, never really meant slowing down for Randy. When planting or harvest season came around, you could often find him helping in the fields—planting, ripping fields, or taking crops off whenever someone needed an extra hand.

And farming certainly wasn’t the only place Randy showed up to help. On most days he would be at the FoxHaus to stop and check to make sure things were running as they should and get his cup of Diet Dew. He was an essential part of day-to-day operations. Aside from being a friend that so many needed; he would cut steaks for steak night, do general maintenance and whatever else needed to be done. Randy was simply someone you could count on.

He loved riding motorcycles and made many trips to Sturgis over the years, along with fall rides up north and his Thursday rides with his buddies. He also enjoyed camping with his girlfriend, Dawn Bratten, and their friends.

But more than anything, Randy loved his family.

His children, Nicole Karen (Toby) Bos and Preston Lee (Deanna) Freeman, could always count on him stopping by. You usually knew he had arrived when you heard, “Anyone home?” or, not long afterward, “Can you help me order this part?”

When there was work to be done, Randy showed up. When someone needed help, Randy showed up. That was simply who he was.

As much as he loved his children, there was something especially special about the way Randy’s face lit up around his grandchildren: Brayden James (Catherine Raye) Litton, Dalton Lee Freeman, Piper Lynn Freeman, and Preslie Jean Freeman. They were truly his pride and joy.

You could count on Grandpa Randy showing up for their events—although every now and then he needed a reminder of exactly what time he was supposed to be there. He was their taxi driver, motorcycle-riding buddy, helper, and, most importantly, someone they knew they could talk to about anything. He was patient, kind, and always there when they needed him or not.

Randy also leaves behind his girlfriend, Dawn Bratten, and his loyal companion, Monkey—the cat who apparently never got the memo that she was supposed to act like a cat. Monkey rode on the tractor with Randy and would even go for walks with him down to the pond. The two of them shared their own special routine and companionship.

Randy is survived by his daughter, Nicole Karen (Toby) Bos; his son, Preston Lee (Deanna) Freeman; his grandchildren, Brayden James (Catherine Raye) Litton, Dalton Lee Freeman, Piper Lynn Freeman, and Preslie Jean Freeman; his girlfriend, Dawn Bratten; his siblings; along with extended family, relatives, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Orin and Ollie Freeman, Randy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally Jean Freeman, along with other relatives and friends who went before him.

To most people, he was Randy—the man just down the road. The guy with the laugh that could make other people laugh right along with him. The man who somehow made “gooder” a real word, and before long had the rest of us using it too.

He was steady and strong, but also kind and gentle. He didn’t need to make a big deal out of helping people. He simply showed up.

As difficult as it is to imagine this world without Randy in it, we find comfort in believing that when he arrived in Heaven, he wasn’t alone for even a moment. His soulmate, Sally, was there waiting for him, along with his parents, relatives, and friends who had gone before him.

We can only imagine the hugs, the stories, the laughter, and the reunion that took place.

We’d like to think Heaven got a little louder, a little brighter, and maybe even a little “gooder” when Randy arrived.

Randy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Omro’s first responder, Southern Winnebago EMS, and Mercy Medical Center. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and entire care team at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center-Cardiovascular ICU Team. The exceptional care they gave Randy, along with the kindness, compassion, and support they showed his family, meant more than words can express. During some of the hardest days our family has ever faced, his team cared not only for Randy, but for all of us. We will never forget how amazing they were or how much their compassion meant to our family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne from 10am to 1pm.

Following the visitation, family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Randy’s life at the Fox Haus Bar & Grill in Omro from 2pm to 5pm. Please come share a story, a laugh, and the memories that made Randy the man so many of us knew and loved.

No reason to get dressed up, come in your best Randy attire, sleeveless shirt and hats are welcome.