Randy Lee Schwenke

PORTAGE – Randy Lee Schwenke, age 60, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on February 16, 1965, to Ron and Nancy (Tennyson) Schwenke, of DeForest/Portage.

Randy had a natural talent for welding. Randy began his career at Marquip, where he quickly became known for his exceptional ability and was even sent overseas to apply his expertise. In 1999, Randy fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own welding shop on the family farm in Portage. He often said with a smile that he could “weld anything but a broken heart,” a reflection of both his humor and his passion for the trade.

Randy faced many challenges throughout his life, including alcohol use disorder. Through it all, his faith in God remained unwavering — a guiding light that carried him through even the hardest days. His family finds comfort in knowing that his struggle has ended and that he now walks with Jesus in paradise.

To those who knew him, Randy will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who could make you laugh, lend a helping hand, and show kindness without ever expecting anything in return. He had a knack for saying the funniest — and sometimes the most inappropriate — things that could make anyone laugh, no matter the moment. His heart was as strong as his welds, and his spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Randy is survived by his son, Tyler (Becky) Kamrath of Portage, his loving mother, Nancy Schwenke of Portage; his siblings; Clint (Deb) Schwenke of DeForest, Sandy (Harley) Legried of Arlington, Steve (Deb) Schwenke of DeForest, and Matt (Stephanie) Schwenke of Kernersville, NC; grandchildren, Aidan, Kenlee, and Colton. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews, Chad, Chelsea (Nate), Taylor (Johnny), Tanner (Samantha), Mikaela (Benton), Braden, and Colton; great-nieces and great-nephews, Miles, Ryder, Callum, and Collins; as well as many dear friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Schwenke; his grandparents, Herbert and Amanda Schwenke and Mabel and Clarence Tennyson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage, with the Rev. Jaime Benson officiating. A private family burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery following the luncheon. A visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Hernkind family for their unwavering support and generosity throughout this difficult time. His family and friends will miss him deeply but take comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.