Randall Case Burl, affectionately known as “Randy” to his family and friends, passed away at the age of 71.
Randy was born on March 26, 1955, in Menasha, Wisconsin to Harry and Lela “Pete” (Edmonson) Burl. The following year, his family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin and then at the age of eleven, they relocated to Neenah, Wisconsin, where Randy spent much of his youth and attended public schools. He graduated from Neenah High School in 1973.
Following graduation, Randy attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for two years before enrolling in the X-ray technician program at Theda Clark Hospital, where he completed his training. He began his career in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, working as an x-ray technician in the hospital’s emergency room.
Having spent time at his parents’ cabin on beautiful Lake Lucerne near Crandon, Randy developed a deep appreciation for the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Eventually, his love for the area led him to make Crandon his home. He continued his career as an x-ray technician at the Crandon clinic, where he remained until his retirement.
On February 14, 2008, Randy was united in marriage to Terri Christofalos on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. Together, they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and the many joys of living in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Randy truly embraced the Northwoods lifestyle. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially the time spent sharing those pursuits with his brother-in-law, Greg. He also had a passion for skeet shooting and was a member of the skeet shooting club in Laona, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships of his fellow shooting enthusiasts.
Known for his outgoing personality and his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, Randy made friends wherever he went. He had a lifelong love of music, particularly bluegrass and folk music, and enjoyed sharing that passion with others. Through his involvement with WXPR Public Radio, Randy became a familiar voice to listeners as a broadcaster of Bluegrass Saturday and Crossroads Café on Thursday afternoons. His enthusiasm for music and his enjoyment of connecting with people made his time on the radio especially meaningful.
Above all, Randy was a man who appreciated the simple pleasures of life: a day spent outdoors, a favorite piece of music, the companionship of good friends, and the beauty and peacefulness of the Northwoods he had come to love so dearly.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Terri; two stepsons, Eric (Tiffany) Barnes of Kansas and Jonathan (Lucy) Barnes of Texas; his step-grandchildren, Addy and Kellen Barnes; his sister, Deb (Greg) Klatiewicz of Butternut, Wisconsin; and his faithful four-legged companion, Amber, his beloved Plott hound. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Randy will be remembered for his outgoing nature, his love of music, his appreciation of the great outdoors, and the friendships he cultivated throughout his life. His voice may be silent, but the music he loved, the stories he shared, and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Oneida County Humane Society in Randy’s memory, honoring his love and compassion for animals.
A Celebration of Life honoring Randy will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their online condolences at www.hildebrandrussfh.com
