Randy McMahel

Upon Randy’s arrival into the world, December 21, 1957 to Roy and Rose McMahel in Chicago, they decided to move to Joliet, IL, a decision that the benefits of which remain debatable to this day. It could be argued that it was for the better, however.

Randy met the love of his life, his devoted wife Marie (nee Coons) of Plainfield, IL in 1979 and they would remain married for 40+ years. They would go on to have three children; Krystle Goebel (Brian, the favorite son-in-law), Randy McMahel Jr. (the favorite son), and Megan McMahel (argue amongst yourselves which one is the favorite daughter).

Throughout their lives, they would also have many devoted and loving dogs. Most recent was his French Bulldog, Fame, who much like Randy, is a load of muscle, attitude, and tough love with an affinity for the finer things in life such as bacon and strolls to see his friend Pat Dillon to enjoy some good whiskey. Besides his wife and children, who will be left to enjoy the fruits of his labor, spend his money, and ponder his many words of wisdom, are his siblings; Ken McMahel (Donna), Steve McMahel, Sharon Sisson (Rich, deceased), Dale McMahel (Marta), and Phil McMahel, all of which now need to decide on their own which fruit is best, apples or oranges, in a civil or uncivil debate dependent upon overall moods. Numerous nieces, nephews, grand dogs, grand cats, birds, squirrels, and other wild life also survive, especially the fish and wild game that Randy would have otherwise hunted and eaten.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Richard Sisson, and a lifetime of dogs who truly were siblings to his children.

He would reside in Rockdale after a 13-year stint in El Paso, TX, where he learned the finer points of RC model plane crashing. It’s noted by his children that you have to be able to fly them successfully to crash them, but the crashes were the most memorable parts. It is imagined that while he sent his children into the fields to salvage what could be and scrap the rest, he stood there in the desert scenery watching them as though he were Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, however, “Against the Wind” by Bob Segar was playing in his head and not the Star Wars ambience. Randy attained his life-long dream of becoming a skilled private small aircraft pilot, the type of which was told, “… well, you’re no worse than an F-18 military pilot…” when having landing difficulties with his Van’s RV-8 aircraft, his shares of which he later sold to said pilot. Randy gained a great many friends and cherished memories through both his model airplane hobby and his aviation club, Blue Sky Aero, Inc. Numerous friends and family members of Randy are grateful to have been included in this “flying family” and allowed to share these experiences with him first-hand over the years. Randy was known and loved for his gruff, loud, and free-speaking demeanor. He was the rare type who would tell you to your face if you were an idiot, but then give constructive and honest advice on how to stop being one, all with that mustached, wise-guy grin that anyone who knew him came to know and love. Though he most certainly would never admit it, Randy was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off of his back if you REALLY needed it, so long as it wasn’t one of his favorites. In those cases, you’d receive a different shirt. A talented worker, Randy was a machinist, and later a professional tool and die maker for over 40 years, most recently with MetalStamp, Inc. where Randy leaves behind a lifetime of workshop trade secrets, a large number of co-workers and friends, and a good amount of metal shavings. As an avid fisherman and hunter, Randy spent many hours in pursuit of the perfect mountable fish or edible doe. He will be missed by many fishing and hunting buddies and one or two men he affectionately termed “Walleye Whisperers” (you guys know who you are). The fish of Goose Lake Club can now breathe a sigh of relief as their fierce adversary of 20+ years has finally given them a break. Raise a Classic Coke to Randy. Raise one when an argument erupts about who is the greatest Star Wars Jedi. Raise one when reminding an ignorant wrestling fan who the ORIGINAL 4 Horsemen were. Raise one when Indy and Sean Connery ride off into the sunset after letting the Grail go. Classic Coke is the fuel on which all of this runs.

The celebration of his life will be just as informal as this obituary on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.. Come as you are and honor Randy with all of us. Your finest tuxedo style, humorous graphic, or CocaCola themed T-shirt or Chicago Bears jersey is not required, but would be greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to help with medical expenses.