Randy Ermers

Our family began 2026 by unexpectedly having to say goodbye to one of our dearest, Randy Ermers. He got out of his wheelchair, stepped into the welcoming arms of Jesus, and danced his way into eternity with the angels. Randy was born on July 12, 1955, to Esther and Frank Ermers. He was also welcomed to the family by his sisters Rosie and Ellen. Life was good!

When Randy was 4, he became ill. The doctor said it was Rheumatic Fever; bed rest was the cure. No strenuous activities. A bed was moved into the living room for him. We all helped with his care and spending time reading and playing with him. He got better. He began his education at Janssen School in Combined Locks. Later the family moved to Appleton, where he attended Huntley School. At the age of 12, he got sick again and this time he was taken to Children's Hospital in Madison. After a 12-hour surgery, it revealed a non-malignant tumor on his brain stem. Could not be removed, and he recovered again. He continued his education and graduated from Appleton East High School in 1973. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting from Fox Valley Technical College. He worked for a short time and lived on his own. Life was good!

But again, his body did its own thing, and his physical life became very difficult. He moved back to Appleton with his parents. After some years he moved to the Crescent view Apartments in Kimberly. He made many friends there and began to build a life for himself on his own. His mode of transportation was his wheelchair! He volunteered on Tuesdays at the Kimberly Library, helping wherever he could. Mitch was a lifetime friend who took him out on Mondays to Seth's Coffee Shop and store visiting in Little Chute. Tanya took him shopping for groceries. He liked to choose his own food, healthy or not! Thursdays were for cards and games with his friend Darlene. To say he was competitive is an understatement! He definitely wanted to win! He was terrific at Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and Cribbage. He loved Classic Hard Rock music. He was a proud fan of the Green Bay Packers, but to him, Fantasy Football was even more fun, and he won the Trophy in 2025. That was a big deal, and he was very proud of it. He always seemed to pick the winning numbers on those football pools. Life was good!

In 2004, he met Wendy on his way home from the library. They visited a few times and became friends. They shared life stories and laughs and one day she invited him to a program at her church. He enjoyed it and she invited him to church services. In 2009, he was welcomed into the faith community of The Fox Valley Church in Kimberly. Life got even better. He soon became an active, participating member. He became a Greeter, a participant in Bible Study, and That Man Is You. Now Sundays and Wednesdays were busy as well! Pastor John became a good friend and a mentor. He and his wife Cherise also made him welcome to their family. Two days a week they went to the YMCA together, he encouraged Randy to work out. He was proud of the improvements in his strength. During his visits to the YMCA, Randy became friends with Sharon, the director, and that friendship continued even after she took a position in Indiana. Pastor John and Randy took long and short road trips. His friendship was a real blessing! Whenever Randy met someone, he tried to share his faith by being kind and inspirational. This Life was good!

Randy is survived by Rosalie and Luke Hietpas and family, Dawn Rivers and kids, Josh and Mo, Melissa, Abbi, Zach, and Nic. Sarah Peterson (Dean Schroder) and son Isaac. Katie Bartell and kids, Casey (Caleb) and Carter (Ellie). Nora and Tony Lessard and kids, Emery (Kyle), Asher, and Lennox.

Maggie Rose and daughter Freja.

Ellen and Dennis Kaminski and family, Amy and Danae and their kids, Destiny (Alex) and Jayce and Cassidy Van Toll. Jason and Stephanne Kaminski, and their sons, Brayden and Landon.

Randy is also survived by many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Randy will be interred at Highland Memorial Park. There will be a Celebration of Life on his birthday.

Randy, I miss you and I miss your humor. Keep dancing!!

He sent a joke each day to many people. Some were groaners and some were hilarious! Some just made you smile. His last joke; "What did the doctor say to the injured Gingerbread man? Why don't you try icing it?" R