Randall "Randy" James Cheffer Sr.

Randall “Randy” James Cheffer, Sr., age 82, of Laporte, IN, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2025, surrounded by family.  He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, Children: Tracy (Steve) Cheffer-Jeanminette, Tammy (Robin) Dennis, Ty (Kathy) Cheffer, Christopher Pavilanis, Lila (Jim) Doty, Heather (Ryan) Adkins, Randall (Ashley) Cheffer Jr. and Dede Goodman. Grandchildren: Lacey (Kiel) Wedell, Bobbi (Cesar) Cardoza, Troy Cheffer Jr., Christopher (Ashley) Cheffer, April Cheffer, Caylee Pavilanis, James Doty, Anthony & Natalia Pinto, Calina (Hayden) Smith, Rayna, Marlee, Zoey, Randall III, Calvin and Imilia Cheffer, Kaydence, Adam and Andrew Greer, Kolin Pester, Mykl Cheffer, Shaela Novak, Angel Little, Joshua Jr. & Lilly Goodman.  Great Grandchildren: Anthony Gomez, Alexis & Austin Wedell, Brawley & Natsu Cardoza, Abel, Aden, Annabella, Ariella and Axel Cheffer, Zayen, Tatum and Alaiyna Cheffer, Coraline, Kane and Ellie Smith.  Sister-in-law, Elsie Cheffer, Daughter-in-law, Cindy Cheffer and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ronald & Dolores (Smith) Cheffer; siblings, Ronda Kistner (Earl), Ramon, Rory Cheffer; son Troy Cheffer Sr.; infant granddaughter Sandy Cheffer, infant great granddaughter Oaklynn Rose Cheffer.

Randy was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, attending Fenger High School and Chicago Vocational School.  He proceeded to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a truck driver for most of his life.  Randy was an EMT and was proudly a member of the South Haven Volunteer Fire Department in the 1970's. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles.  He also drew plans and built his own construction projects.   Randy was formerly married to Karen (Gilbertson) Cheffer and Beri (DeLong) Cheffer. During these marriages, he and family moved to Texas and California before he returned home to Northwest Indiana for good.

Randy’s teddy bear stature and bigger than life smile, coupled with the sparkle in his eyes, made him quite the charmer.  His large family was of the utmost importance.  He was a self-less man, needing little, and always helping others.  He was kind and accepting of everyone he met, never meeting a stranger. 

Randy enjoyed gatherings of family and friends sharing stories and laughs, camping, actively supporting his son, Troy “Cheffo”, motorcycle racing, fast cars, attending rock concerts, shooting pool, the Chicago Bears and Coca Cola.  Later in life, he also enjoyed his riding lawn mower/snowplow and relaxing in his comfy recliner in front of his big screen TV.

A private Celebration of Life has been held.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at (219)838-0800 or visiting www.hillsidefhcares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randall "Randy" James Cheffer Sr., please visit our floral store.