Randy Wilkey, age 64, of Gardner, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Edward Hospital in Naperville.
Born February 4, 1957 in Pontiac, Illinois, Randy Thomas was a son of William Harold and Beata (Benson) Wilkey. He was raised and educated in Reddick, and went on to serve in the United States Navy (1974-1977), serving both stateside and abroad on the USS Detroit.
On September 24, 1983, Randy married Nancy Campbell in Coal City, and together they built a life they loved, and raised their boys in Gardner. He was employed as a machinist for R.R. Donnelley for 17 years from 1979 – 1996, and most recently worked as a Paramedic with Dwight, Gardner, and currently DULY Health and Care (formerly DuPage Medical Group).
Randy was a member of the Gardner American Legion and was active in fire service for many years. He was past Fire Chief of Reddick Fire Department and involved with Gardner Fire Department for over 20 years, where he also served as Chief.
Randy was an instructor with Chief Shabbona Fire Academy; taught CPR, and was an EMT instructor for Riverside Medical Center. In addition, he was a member of the Illinois Fire Inspector Association, and served as a Fire Investigator for numerous years.
In his free time, he enjoyed golf and fishing, but could more often be found woodworking, as well as working in the yard. Randy was a man of many projects and was always building something. He was a fan of both the Chicago Bears and Cubs, and most of all enjoyed spending time and cooking with his family, especially the grandchildren. His big breakfasts will be missed most of all.
Throughout the years, Randy held many titles: Son, Husband, Father and Chief to name a few. No title was more important to him, however, than Grandpa, and Randy’s grandchildren were the light of his life. He absolutely loved the time spent with each of them.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; three children: Jamie (Eleanor) Wilkey of Gardner; Chad (Danielle) Wilkey of Essex; and Jordan (Jessica) Wilkey of South Wilmington; six grandchildren: Cole, Tyler, Jaci, Avery, Kedzie and Drake; not to forget his four-legged granddaughter, Ella.
Seven siblings:  William (Jeanette) Wilkey of Dwight; Duane Wilkey of Tennessee; Kathy (Dave) Curl of Reddick; Herb (Kathy) Wilkey of Braceville; Su (Robert) Thompson of Florida; James (Kelly) Wilkey of Cullom; and Doug (Julie) Wilkey of Dwight also survive.
Surviving are brothers-in-law and sisters – in – law:  Nora Wilkey of Braidwood; Dan (Mary) Campbell of Duluth, Minnesota; Mike (Debbie) Campbell and Mark Campbell, both of Braceville; and Linda Tira of Duluth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents; son, Seth, on February 14, 1995; siblings: Wayne Wilkey, Wes Wilkey, Patsy Wilkey-Perry, Sandra Jensen and Terry Wilkey; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Faye Campbell; and his sister-in-law, Carri Campbell.
The family received friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in Gardner, on Friday, December 10, 2021 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service, 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Greg Likous officiated at the service.
Burial followed in Brace-ville – Gardner Cemetery, where Randy was laid to rest with his son, Seth.
Serving as pallbearers were: Jamie Wilkey, Chad Wilkey, Jordan Wilkey, Cole Mack, Tyler Wilkey and Jerry Von Qualen.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Randy’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 5444 S. Drexel Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615
(https://rmhccni.org/donate/)
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Randy’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.Reeves
Funeral.com/obituary/Randy-Wilkey
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526).