February 28, 2024 – West Bend, Wi – Randy Cardarelle, born February 27, 1958, in West Bend, WI, has been called to his eternal home on February 25, 2024, after an extensive seven-year battle with cancer. As a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, he faithfully followed Jesus through the good and difficult times, relying on Him for strength and hope.
Eager to join the military, he enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17, leaving for basic training in July 1976, and became an aircraft mechanic on B-52’s. Randy then transferred to the West Bend Army National Guard, as a Blackhawk crew chief. He separated from the military with an honorable discharge in February 1982.
Randy transitioned from his military service to over-the-road trucking from 1983 to 1995. He knew the roads so well, you never needed GPS, you would just ask him for directions- even to the most random places throughout the country. He became a highway maintainer at the Ozaukee County Highway Department for 24 years until he retired in May 2019. One of his favorite thing about this job was plowing snow and helping people get through the difficult winter weather. He took so much pride in his job and the importance of his work.
Packers Season ticket holder since 1990, Randy enjoyed going to games, one year making it to every home game for the season, and always having “a guy” for everything (a beer guy, a parking guy, etc). He followed the Packers from Milwaukee to Green Bay and could often be found tailgating before the game. Before walking into Lambeau, look at the personalized bricks on the ground and you will find that he will forever be at every Packer home game.
When it was the weekend, the TV would be split showing football on one side and NASCAR on the other. He was one of Dale Earnhardt’s biggest fans. His love of football and wrestling was passed down from his son to his grandson. He was a referee and coach for football, a member of the EAA, a coach for wrestling, NASCAR season ticket holder, and camping fanatic.
Randy was a man of many interests. He was a man who could always be found outside either building wood projects, working on his family’s vehicles, trying new recipes, hunting, and grilling. If you ever needed a swig of Jack Daniels, all you had to do was go to his toolbox in the shed. Although he has moved on to a better place, his humor, whit, and active nature will be missed by all.
Most of all, he adored his grandchildren. Known to them as “papa”, they were his pride and joy, keeping him going through his last few years. Doing whatever they wanted, Papa couldn’t say no to them. From golf cart rides, to seeing the neighbor’s cows, snuggling on his chair, playing games, and smelling their stinky feet, he loved these kids.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna Cardarelle (Vande Boom), they had four children and four grandchildren; Samantha Cardarelle (with significant other, Nick Rocci), Maranda Cardarelle, Vince Cardarelle (married to Alyssa Cardarelle with two children, Isaiah and Joel) and Claire Cardarelle (engaged to Steve McCarty with one child, Adaline and expecting their second, Kacey). He was a proud, loving husband, father and grandfather who consistently supported his children throughout every endeavor. He is also survived by his siblings Gary (Jodi) Cardarelle, Bill Cardarelle, Deb (Mike) Reindl, and Bob (Patti) Cardarelle, along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and family. Randy is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Jeanette Cardarelle, siblings Cheryl Eberhardt and Jim Cardarelle.
A visitation for Randy will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., with a Funeral Service at 12:00PM, at St John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 809 S. Sixth Ave. West Bend. The burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park, will Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers donates to either Chicks for a Cause Chix 4 a Cause LTD | Non-Profit | United States or the Rochester Hope Lodge Hope Lodge Rochester (donordrive.com) in Randy’s name would be appreciated.
The Phillip Funeral Home is serving the family.
