Randy S. Mickelson

Randy S. Mickelson, 54, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 1, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL, following a brief illness. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may gather after 11:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.  Randy was born on May 4, 1971, to Donald and Darlene (Leifker) Mickelson in Dubuque, IA. He graduated from Galena High School in 1989 and then attended NICC in Peosta, IA, to study CNC Machining. Randy wed Tara Einsweiler on July 18, 1992, in Galena. The couple then moved to Madison, WI, where he worked as a machinist. Randy worked as a machinist for most of his life, even owning his machine shop, Galena Metal Crafters, from 1998 to 2012. The happiest moment of Randy’s life occurred on June 19, 2001, when his son Samuel was born. One of Randy’s favorite pastimes was watching Steelers football games with Sam. He loved being in nature at his camper, grilling, fishing, and sitting around a fire telling stories. Randy is survived by his wife, Tara Einsweiler, and his son, Samuel Mickelson, both of East Dubuque, IL; his mother, Darlene of Galena; and his brother, Kevin (Laura) Mickelson of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father and his older brother, Colin. The family would like to thank the staff at Midwest Medical Center in Galena and OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, particularly the critical care unit.