Randall John Szleszinski, 66, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois. He was born on March 14, 1960, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, son to John and Ruth (Peterson) Szleszinski. At the age of eighteen, Randy started his professional journey alongside his father at Rockford Products. From that formative experience, he committed himself to the industry for his entire working career, currently working as a header operator at Fastenal. Yet Randy’s life was never only about work. His truest contentment was found among the woods and waters, especially where cherished days were spent at the Wisconsin family land, a place he loved so deeply that he crafted “Camp Szleszinski” graphic t-shirts. Randy’s adventurous spirit led him to paddling his kayak, casting countless lures, tearing up trails on a four-wheeler, and for a time, riding motorcycles with unmistakable freedom. While Randy claimed to enjoy hunting, those who knew him suspect he mostly savored the opportunity to spend time in nature, often documented with a camera in hand, capturing moments and the beauty around him rather than focusing solely on the hunt. Solitude suited Randy well, it was in the stillness that he recharged, however he gave freely his humor and wisdom when it mattered most. Each time Randy recalled a story, it was almost as though you were hearing it for the first time; greater and grander the tales were told. Although his tales may have been tall, Randy made sure to impart practical wisdom and skills to his son. He taught not merely in words, but elbow-deep beside him, navigating the intricacies of car and motorcycle repairs, and even household fixes. These lessons were never just about what was in front of them; they were about self-reliance, persistence, and making the most of what you can. His quiet wisdom endures in the advice he shared: “If someone else can do it, you can do it too… it just might take a little longer.” And again, echoing a core belief: “Nothing is given, but with hard work anything is possible.”

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his son Jon (Carly) Szleszinski; grandchildren Dax and Eden Szleszinski; his mother, Ruth Szleszinski; brothers Carl (Kathy) and Daniel Szleszinski; nieces and nephews Tawny (John) Decorie, Trisha (Thavi) Nhanesana, Megan Szleszinski, Ryan Szleszinski, and their families. He is predeceased by his father, John, and his brother, Gregory Szleszinski.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service, 11:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, consider memorials made to the family to be established at a later date. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com