Randy William "Ty" Wright

1960 - 2026

AURORA-Randy "Ty" Wright, 66, of Aurora, died Sunday, March 29, 2026, at his home in Aurora after a long battle with medical conditions.
Gathering with the family will be 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, followed by a reception at LeRoy's on Main Street in Aurora.
The family encourages everyone to wear their favorite Iowa Hawkeye attire.
Inurnment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family at P.O. Box 614, Oelwein, Iowa 50662. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com
Randy "Ty" William Wright was born January 25, 1960, in rural Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Edwin Harley and Elizabeth Ann (Juergens) Wright. He was raised near Aurora and graduated from East Buchanan High School in Winthrop. Ty's career was at Iowa Ham in Independence followed by his work at Prairie Road Builders in Hazleton and other odd jobs to support his family. Ty was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shelby Kay Ginther on July 8, 1988, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. Ty and Shelby decided to take on entrepreneurship in opening their dream business, Shelby's Restaurant and Lounge in Aurora. It was here that they felt connected to the community and built several longstanding friendships.
Ty was a devoted and proud father who found his greatest purpose in raising and guiding his family. He was a loyal and loving husband whose unwavering commitment and quiet strength created a foundation of warmth, stability, and deep connection. Ty had a gift for bringing people together, hosting lively gatherings filled with laughter where family extended far beyond bloodlines and everyone was made to feel that they belonged.
Outside of his family, Ty found joy and peace in the simple meaningful moments of life. He loved foraging, fishing and immersing himself in nature. Whether casting a line or enjoying the quiet beauty of the world around him, he felt most at home outside. Amongst all, he was an avid and devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, regardless of the sport. He rarely missed a game, proudly cheering and coaching them on from his chair.
He lived his life as an example of unconditional love, showing others what it truly meant to provide, protect, and care for those around him. Whether related by birth or by bond, Ty embraced each person as his own, teaching through his actions that family is not defined by just where you come from but how you show up for one another. Ty's legacy is one of generosity, inclusion, and enduring love. One that will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Randy is survived by his daughter: Amy (BJ) Ekstrand of Hazleton; son: Shawn (Renae) Streittmatter of Hazleton; five grandchildren: Jared (Andrea) Little of Hazleton, Tristan Ekstrand of Hazleton and Alan, Evan and Addison Streittmatter of Hazleton; great grandson: Jaxon Little; three special nieces: Stefanie Duffy of Cedar Falls, Brandy (Gerald) Hershey of Oelwein and Nicole Ericson of Oelwein; six siblings: Gary (Carol) Wright of Harlingen, Texas, Delores Wright of Independence, Rick Wright of Harlingen, Texas, Ron Wright of Iowa City, Teresa Kopf of Independence and Brenda Wright of Strawberry Point and many nieces and nephews.
Ty was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Shelby on March 10, 2016, twin brothers at birth: Eddie and Freddie, and a brother: Lester.