It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Randolph Wayne Strickland Sr. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born on July 8, 1953, to John and Doris (Smith) Strickland. He was a 1971 graduate of Kecoughtan High School. Randy was a cherished husband, father, granddaddy, great granddaddy and friend whose warmth and spirit touched the lives of everyone around him.

From 1970 until 1991 he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Master Chief.

On August 5, 1972, he was united in marriage to Carla Jean Ingram and recently celebrated 54 years together.... although Randy would have said it was 108 years because he tried twice as hard. Carla respectfully disagrees.

Following his retirement from the United States Navy in 1991, he began a second career with Abbott, where he worked as a mechanical engineer for 21 years. He retired from Abbott in 2012 but continued his work through ASI, contracting with AbbVie.

He had many interests throughout his life and especially enjoyed genealogy. With the help of his brothers, he proudly traced his family roots all the way back to 1611. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer, bear, and birds, often sharing those adventures with Carla’s father, his son, and his cousins, Tom Stuck and Devin Wirtz.

Fishing was another favorite pastime, although there may be far too many fishing “stories”—and perhaps a few tall tales—to share them all here.

He was actively involved with Pleasant Prairie VFW Post 7308, American Legion Kenosha Post 21, and Navy Club Ship 40, where he enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow veterans.

He also had an artistic side and enjoyed drawing, particularly Civil War generals and ships, as well as animals of the forest.

Randy was esteemed not just for his many accomplishments but for the kindness and compassion he showed every day. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, always ready with a listening ear or words of encouragement. He was a loving husband to Carla, who stood by his side through the years, sharing countless memories filled with laughter and love. No matter how angry he made her, he would always make her laugh. Carla respectfully agrees.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carla Strickland; his children, Randolph Wayne Strickland Jr. and Jennifer Lynn Chause; granddaughters, Becca Chause, Taylor (Tracy) Formaro, Kayla (Griffin) Schwichtenberg, and Sara (Kenzie) Chause; great grandchildren, Holden Chause and Phoebe Formaro; siblings, Jon Strickland, Tim (Beth) Strickland, Gary (Betty) Strickland, and Esther "Effie" Strothkamp; and many nieces and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the Pleasant Prairie VFW Post 7308, 11839 28th Ave., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158, would be appreciated.