Randy Lee Langlois

Although he was taken from his loved ones too soon, Randy Langlois touched the lives of so many in a special way in the time he was given. He worked hard, but he really saw his work as an opportunity to spread his contagious zest for life to all who crossed his path. Randy had a heart that was as big as they come, and no matter what came his way he faced it head on. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, everyone seemed to know Randy. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his family and friends will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It seems only fitting that Randy’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the 1960s when we witnessed the election of the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States and when civil rights was perhaps the most defining issue of the decade. James Dean and Marilyn Monroe became household names, and with televisions in our homes the family dynamic was rapidly changing. It was just as this decade was dawning that William and Elaine (Pietrowski) Langlois were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Randy Lee on October 12, 1960. One of four Langlois children, he was raised in the family home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside his siblings, Renee, Rory, and Robin.

In many ways, Randy was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed going to the dog track with his friends and to the casinos with his father, brothers, and sister. Randy attended local schools and graduated from Boys Tech High School in Milwaukee in 1978.

Throughout his life Randy was known for his strong work ethic and his determination to do things to the best of his ability. He started out working in a local peanut factory, Preferred Harvest. Fortunately, Randy discovered his calling early in life, and in 1985 his journey as a bar owner began. He, along with his father, “Winkie,” and his brothers, Rory and Robin, established the well known and loved local bar, Gee Willickers, in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. Randy loved bartending, and he was well loved among his customers as well. He took great pride in decorating the bar for all of the different holidays as well as throwing parties to match the different seasons. These parities were something that people really looked forward to, and all of his family and friends made sure they didn’t miss his parties.

As his family and friends can attest, Randy was a man of many interests who preferred to be busy. He had three dogs, Hazel, Luna, and Foxy, and they were like his children. Randy’s dogs were allowed to roam the bar, and one of his favorite activities was taking his dogs to the dog park. He enjoyed traveling up North to go fishing with his family and friends, and he frequently went to play the slot machines at various casinos. Randy loved the Wizard of Oz and collected various memorabilia from the film. In fact, one of his favorite quotes was from the movie, “It’s not where you go, it’s who you meet along the way.” He was also a huge fan of both the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy attended St. Casimir Church located in his Riverwest neighborhood.

All who knew Randy Langlois would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He had a fun-loving sense of humor and an amazing ability to reach people through great conversations. Randy loved laughing with his family and friends, and anyone who knew Randy could easily see that he had a heart of gold. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Randy L. Langlois, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 8, 2018, at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Randy’s family includes his siblings, Robin Langlois, Rory (Debbie) Langlois, Renee (Leroy) Holmes. Randy will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Family and friends will gather at the Suminski/ Weiss Funeral Home, at 1901 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202 on Thurs. June 21, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. when there will be a Service to celebrate Randy’s life. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Fri. June 22, 2018, at Resurrection Cemetery, at 9400 W. Donges Bay Road, Mequon. Please join us to celebrate the life of Randy Langlois, to reminisce all of the wonderful memories we have shared with him.