Randy E. Scharlau

Randy “Shaggy” E. Scharlau, 62, of Independence, passed away surrounded by love, Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

Randy was born August 7, 1964, to Donald and Avis (Morey) Scharlau. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Waumandee. Life on the farm instilled in him an incredible work ethic and a knack for fixing, building, or running just about anything.

A self-proclaimed “jack-of-all-trades, master of none,” Randy worked primarily in road construction and farming, but he was always the first person to jump into the cab of whatever heavy machinery was needed to lend a helping hand to a friend.

Randy was a man of action who lived life outdoors and at full speed. Whether he was walking through the woods waiting for a big buck, casting a line for trout, taking off on snowmobile trips with friends, or riding his motorcycle with the wind in his face, he was always happiest in motion. He also appreciated the simpler pleasures in life, like a good game of pool or darts and a cold drink with great company.

Above all else, Randy’s heart belonged to his family, and nothing brought him greater pride or joy than being a father to his two boys, Trinity and Tyler. His absolute favorite thing in the world was spending time with them, whether they were out fishing, hunting, riding, or just “bummin’ around” together. Through every project, outdoor adventure, and quiet road trip, he raised them with hands-on wisdom, passing down not only his favorite hobbies but also the valuable life lessons, strong work ethic, and character that defined him.

Through all the years, some of his fondest moments were also spent on the open road during endless motorcycle rides and weekend getaways shared with his loving partner, Janet.

Caring, compassionate, and fiercely generous, Randy was the kind of person who would give anyone the shirt off his back and never expect anything in return. His warm smile and sharp sense of humor had a way of lighting up a room and drawing people in, turning fast friends into family wherever he went.

Randy is survived by his devoted partner, Janet Rumpel; his beloved sons: Trinity (Mariah) Scharlau and Tyler Scharlau; Janet’s children: Natasha Schank and Cheylene Schank (Matt Duffy); and Janet’s grandchildren: Malaina Tullius and Elowyn Duffy-Schank. He is further survived by his loving mother, Avis Scharlau; his sister, Vicky Scharlau (James Tweden); his brother, Jeff Scharlau; and his nieces and nephews: Heather (Tony) Wantoch, Dylan Scharlau, and Zack Tweden.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald E. Scharlau; his grandparents: Edwin & Juliet (Thompson) Scharlau, and Elmer & Olga (Beneke) Morey; his aunts and uncles: Russ & Marian Scharlau, and Chuck & Bev Scharlau; his sister-in-law, Renee Scharlau; and his cousins: Tony Scharlau, Scott Morey, and Jim Scharlau.

Randy’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff on the 6th floor at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, as well as the staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, for their wonderful care and support.

Private family services will be held for Randy. To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com. Wozney Killian Funeral Home is assisting the family.