Randall "Randy" Gnadt

Randall P. “Randy” Gnadt passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Greenfield, Wisconsin, on September 12, 2026. He was born on July 16, 1952, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Randy built a life grounded in service, family, and the simple joys that brought people together. He graduated from James Marshall High School in 1970 and went on to serve the community in a dedicated career as a Police Officer with the City of Milwaukee. Over the course of his 30 years in law enforcement, he worked at District #3 for 18 years and District #6 for 12 years. He truly earned his retirement after a long and committed career, but decided to continue serving in security at Direct Supply from 2003 to 2012.

On May 12, 1973, he married the love of his life, Patricia, at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church. Their marriage was the foundation of a family he cherished deeply and spoke of with pride.

Randy was a true people person, fun loving and happy, and he genuinely cared about everyone he met. He never met a stranger, and his easy warmth made him a familiar and welcome presence to so many. His neighbors jokingly called him the Mayor of 48th St., a reflection of the friendliness and connection he brought to everyday life. However, Randy was a man of many nicknames including Beat Cop, Camp Cook, Karaoke King, and Lowrider. His most cherished titles were Dad and Grandpa. 

He enjoyed life fully and enthusiastically. Randy was a devoted Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. He loved spending time outdoors fishing and hunting, especially in De Soto near the Mississippi River and Up North in Mercer and Winter, Wisconsin. Randy was passionate about cooking and was always the camp cook. He enjoyed singing karaoke, was a talented artist who liked painting and drawing, and even took pleasure in mowing his lawn on his John Deere.

Randy loved spending time with his grandchildren reading to them, singing to them, and eating their toes. Among his proud accomplishments was being the author of the children’s book Dog Town, which was a passion project born from the love he had for his grandchildren. More than anything, he loved his family and was an exceptional grandpa.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Gnadt, née Checkai; his children, Michelle Fischer and her husband Matthew, Christopher Gnadt and his wife Stephanie, Joseph Gnadt and his wife Marissa, and Anton Gnadt and his wife Sarah; and his cherished grandchildren, Kinsey, Sofie, Jackson, Ellianna, and Harrison. He is also survived by his brothers, Phillip Gnadt, whose wife Diane preceded him in death, Dr. Gregory Gnadt and his wife Dr. Joan, and Robert Gnadt and his wife Kathy. He will also be remembered with affection by Bill Meyer, his special father-in-law, lifelong friends Bill and Beth Steck, and his many nieces and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; his mother, Elaine; his granddaughter, baby Rissa; his brother, Raymond Gnadt; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Checkai, Jr.; his mother-in-law, Marylin Meyer; and his father-in-law, Kenneth Checkai.

Family and friends are invited to gather in Randy’s memory on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, WI 53220. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the American Heart Association. 

Randy will be remembered for his generous spirit, his sense of fun, his devotion to those he loved, and the many lives he touched through kindness, service, and friendship. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.