Randy Norman Michaelis

Randy Norman Michaelis passed away on August 17, 2025. Born on July 7, 1955, to Norman and Darlene Michaelis, Randy lived a life filled with adventure, creativity, and community spirit.

After graduating from New Auburn High School, Randy attended Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, where he earned a degree in art. His outgoing personality and optimism led to numerous career successes. In the 1980s, he owned a Radio Shack in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, which expanded to include a pipe tobacco shop and small appliance repair service. Notably, he sold Lienenkugel's Brewery their first computer, a TRS-80.

Randy's talent for photography propelled him into a career with Herff Jones, where he traveled across the United States coaching professional photographers. He also worked as a bartender in several locations in the Bloomer, Wisconsin area, entertaining patrons with his sharp wit and warm nature.

As a devoted family man, Randy served in various community leadership roles, inspired by his loving wife Carolyn and their family. He was President of the Bloomer School Board for 15 years and President of the Rod and Gun Club, securing funding to build a fishing pier in Bloomer. Randy's passion for baseball led him to create the largest virtual museum in the world dedicated to baseball memorabilia, Diamond Memories, sharing his love with countless others.

Randy is survived by his mother, Darlene Michaelis; wife, Carolyn Michaelis; daughters, Lynn Paddy and Julia Michaelis; son-in-law, Bill Paddy; granddaughters, Erin and Kaitlyn Paddy; grandsons, Kyle Haney and Ryan Afolabi; brother-in-law, Duane Mark; sister-in-law, Corinne Hassemer and husband Dan Hassemer; nieces and nephews, Jamie and Lindsey Hassemer, Vernon Jr., Brian, Jeff, Charles, and Daniel Patz, Kristine North, John, and Ronald Mark, Cary Lu, Amy Howen, Joelle Vetting; and his beloved cat, Ralphie.

He is preceded in death by his father, Norman Lawrence Michaelis; Grandparents Lawrence and Louis Michaelis, Albert and Esther Stertz; sons, Rex and Adam Wolf; granddaughter, Danielle Capps; brother-in-law, Vernon Patz; Lloyd Mark; Marion Patz; grandmother, Amanda Mark; nephew, Christopher Mark, and Carolyn's parents, Clinton and Ellen Mark.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Mayo Rochester and the Mayo Palliative Care team for their exceptional care and empathy during Randy’s final week.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 12:00 noon at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crescent. Family and friends are invited to share condolences from 10:00 am to noon.

A memorial gathering for Randy will be held at the Swing Bridge Restaurant in La Crescent immediately following the service.