"I worked with Randy briefly on a project at Thermo Fisher for the San Jose site. He was such a sweet, kind, and happy guy. We enjoyed some laughs during our team building and he provided great leadership to see the project to the end. You will be greatly missed, Randy."
In loving memory of
Randy Stulken
October 30, 1961 - October 20, 2017
Cottage Grove - Randy Stulken, age 55, of Cottage Grove, died Friday October 20, 2017, at University Hospital after a brief illness. Born Randall Kent Stulken on October 30, 1961, in La Crosse, WI, he later moved with his family to Viroqua, WI, where he graduated from high school in 1979.
His love and passion for music led him to UW-Platteville where he met his best friend and future wife, Lana (Kong). They graduated in 1984 with a B.S. in Music Education and moved to Madison. The wedding bells were soon ringing and the "Randy and Lana" duo began in 1988.
He had two beautiful, bright daughters that were his shining lights, Mariah (engaged to marry Reed Molls) and Larissa. They were the loves of his life. His legacy will carry on in them forever.
Randy "gigged" in many dance bands throughout his college and adult life. He played a mean Tenor Sax and was the finest Clarinet player anyone ever heard. He continued to play for years in community bands, for special events and concerts, and was always writing or arranging music. Recently, he taught himself how to play the Bass Guitar and was building and buying guitars for fun.
Besides performing, Randy found his prize job at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Madison. He worked there for over 25 years, was a great asset to his team and will be greatly missed by his colleagues.
Randy was kind and quiet and everyone wondered what his brilliant brain was thinking next. He loved to read books, play video games, make beer, listen to and arrange music, and watch scary movies. His wife, Lana, kept him busy with many projects and new adventures for them to go on. He cared deeply for his daughters and many of their friends that gathered at his house for games and parties. His favorite brother-in-law, Mark (Sogn), was always his chief best friend.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald C. Stulken. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Lana; daughters, Mariah and Larissa; mother, Catherine Stulken of Madison, WI; brother, Don (Sally) Stulken of Dubuque, IA; sister, Kristi (Roch) Gersbach of Madison, WI; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Melissa Sogn; nephews, Nicholas and Jeremy Sogn; and other relatives and many friends.
Randy possessed a regal dignity, ready wit, sarcastic humor and a measure of mischievousness often appearing as a spark in his eye. He will be greatly missed and loved forever.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, (Halloween), at the Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton, WI, presided by Pastor Richard Dowling. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at Cress.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244
Tributes
"I worked with Randy and Thermo Fisher and recently attended a meeting with him in Pittsburgh. After a long day of boring meetings, we found ourselves discussing a wide variety of topics over a cold beer. There was a trivia game going on in the bar and Randy mentioned how his family loved doing the bar trivia. From that moment on, we talked about family for almost 2 hours. He was a great guy and really, really loved his family. It was a great thing to see and I will never forget the smile in his eyes as he described his girls. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you all."
"I was saddened to hear of Randy's passing. I worked with Randy at Thermo Fisher and always enjoyed the projects we worked on together. Both his diligence, and sense of humor, always helped keep things moving in a positive direction. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family from Portland. "
"My deepest sympathy to Randy's family. I have worked with Randy at Thermo and he was a wonderful family man. He will be missed by all because he was a wealth of knowledge and always willing to assist. He loved his family and talked about them an he was very proud. My heart goes out to his family and you are in my prayers."
"I have not met Randy as you know Lana, but I can tell you two were meant for each other.I cannot be with you today but my prayers are with you."
"It was so shocking to hear the news about Randy. He hired me to work for Thermo. He was a very good Boss and nice person. Randy always was very helpful and full of life. He will be missed terribly. Rasma Marks "
"Lana, so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed playing in the Greg Andeson Band with Randy. Many good memories. My sympathy to you and your family. Gary and Terri Pulver"
"Randy was one of my dearest colleagues and he was a pleasure to work with. He taught me a lot about work and life. Randy was very easy to talk to and always listened. He was there when you needed him the most. I always enjoyed his company and I was very fortunate to be a teammate of his. My thoughts and prayers go to Randy's family. "
""Lots of miles and smiles on the polka-road together." Randy always contributed his best in any song he played, and expanded my appreciation of music I would have otherwise ignored. Even though he never liked it when the area's snowy roads and gigs coincided, he soldiered-through with one of his life's purposes in making music and people happy. Randy etched deep memories for many that will never be forgotten. Greg Anderson"
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Family. May the Lord give you comfort at this time. Psalm 23 (Sister in Laws to Kristi Gersbach,) Joanna Gersbach and Susanna Hungerford."
"My thoughts and prayers are with Randy and his family. I worked with Randy for more than 20 years and enjoyed his wit and love of music. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. "
"John Long My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Randy was my go to guy at Thermo for all thing IT. Even though he was always extremely busy he always made time for me and always found the answer. Randy always had a such a welcoming smile and demeanor. I will miss him professionally and more so personally. My best wishes for your family Lana!"
"I was so sad to hear about Randys passing. I worked for Randy when i first came over to the Madison office. He was a great boss and friend. His humor & helpfulness sure will be missed! Lori Loomis"
"Lana and family ~ I am so sorry to hear of Randy's passing. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers... Sharon (Pogue) Frank"
"Lana - I was shocked to hear about Randy, Even though we haven't seen much of each other since your Platteville days, I have so many great memories of Randy and the many times we collaborated in music. He was a talented musician and a great guy with a bizarre sense of humor! My hearfelt condolences to you and your family,"
"Lana, Larissa, and Mariah, I just wanted to say thanks for Randy's personal friendship, humor, shared lagers, and willingness to help out our school's musical programs countless times. We were blessed with the melodic musical talents of Lana and Randy (the dynamic duo), along with your positivity, dedication, and support, reflected in your great daughters Larissa and Mariah. Randy will be missed, and you are in our prayers. Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." T. Schubkegel"
"My deepest sympathy and condolences to Randy's family. I only knew Randy for a short time but he made a big impact on me. He was a great manager and colleague but an even better person. He was always easy to talk to and had a great sense of humor, he will be greatly missed. Kyle Lynch"
"My sincerest condolences to Randy's family. "
"I can't adequately express my sadness at Randy's passing. He was a man of integrity and humor, with a sly wit. For years he has been a valued member of our team at Thermo Fisher, and we will miss his humanity and his leadership. My deepest sympathies to his family. David Fairbanks"
"Deepest sympathy to the family. I really enjoyed working with Randy. He was a dear colleague with his knowledge, commitment, humor and optimistic attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Lana, You have my heartfelt condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was fortunate to be able to share music, memories and good times with you both. My family and I wish you peace and God's blessings during these trying times. Jim and Jackie Johnston and Family"
"Lana, Randy was a kind and caring man. He was a truly a special friend and great talent. I will always cherish the music we made together and will have great memories of his unique wit and keen sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Fred and Sandy Hewitt"
"I was so sad to hear of the passing of Randy. I worked with Randy on a number of projects. He always had a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Randy will be greatly missed."
"I am so saddened to hear of Randy's passing. My deepest condolences to your family and prayers for comfort and strength for your family. Randy was such a kind and generous co-worker who will be missed so very much by all who had the pleasure of working with him."
"My deepest condolences to your family. It saddened me to hear of Randy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family (Psalms 34:18). I met Randy when he came to California years back to help us with work/training and he was such a kind person and a gentleman. I am so sorry for your loss. Rodalyn Cayabyab-Sunnyvale, CA "
"My deepest condolences to the entire family. I did not work with Randy often, but when I did, he was easily recognized as the "go to" person. Randy was a pleasure to work with and a real good guy just to have a conversation with. My heart is heavy with his passing but it is filled with joy knowing that I had the opportunity to know him. May the memories of Randy be forever a blessing to those who knew and loved him."
"My deepest condolences, Randy was a gentleman and a pleasure to work with, may he Rest in Peace"
"I was so saddened to hear of Randy's passing. He was a great coworker and colleague at Nicolet/Thermo. All of his family are in my thoughts during this most difficult time in your lives! "
"My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was lucky enough to work with Randy as we both started at the old Nicolet about the same time. He was a kind and considerate person and all of us who worked with him appreciated the person he was. Heaven has another one of the "good guys", and your family has a special angel to watch over you. "
"Dear Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I haven't worked directly with Randy for several years, but I remember him as being a kind, friendly and helpful co-worker. Take care. "
"Deepest sympathies to Randy's family. He was such an intelligent and funny guy. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. He will be missed more than words can express. -Jessica King"
"Lana, I am so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Randy will me missed. Jeanne and Paul"
"My deepest condolences I had the pleasure of working with Randy when he came to our Canadian site . A wonderful person and co worker."
"My condolances to the family. Randy took a chance on me and launched my career at Thermo. He was a great boss and friend. A kind, intelligent man, always ready to help and teach. He will be missed"
"My condolences to the family. Randy was a great person he will be missed "
"Lana, I am so sorry for your loss. Randy was such a wonderful friend, boss, and co-worker. You and the girls are in my thoughts. Please let me know if you need anything"
"My deepest sympathies. Randy was a great person and will be missed. "
"Lana, I was just shocked when I saw the news about Randy. You and your girls are in my prayers. We can be so comforted knowing Randy is now in Heaven in Jesus arms. You take care and I will call you soon! Love, Judy"