“Don’t weep for me; I am free.” Randall “Randy” Kent Schellinger, 59, of Whitefish, was greeted at the gates of heaven by his mother, sister, son and best friend on Friday, August 28, 2015, following a courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease.
Randy was born the youngest, and the favorite, on April 4, 1956, in Glasgow, MT, to Cliff and Polly Schellinger.
Randy graduated from Whitefish High School in 1975. Prior to his illness, Randy spent his entire adult life working for the family business, Schellinger Construction Company, alongside his dad and brother.
Randy lived life to the fullest and was always looking for his next adventure. He was an avid snow skier, water skier, hunter and traveler. He enjoyed boating on Whitefish and Flathead Lakes, heli-skiing in Canada, walking along the beach in Thailand, attending the NFR in Las Vegas, spending time with his grandchildren, and always looked forward to the annual Schellinger 3 rd of July party on Flathead Lake. Randy’s greatest joy came from watching his children’s sporting events and hunting with his boys, brother, father and friends. To know Randy, was to love him and continually laugh at his wit. Randy faced Huntington’s Disease with determination, bravery, and his ever-present humor.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Polly; son, Brett; and sister, Kristi. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Schellinger, of Whitefish; sons, Matt (Lauren) Schellinger and A.J. Schellinger, both of Whitefish; father, Cliff (Vernell) Schellinger, of Eltopia, Wash.; sister, Shelley (Pat) Dolan, of Billings; brothers, Al (Sandy), of Whitefish and Don Allen, of San Marcos, CA; foreign exchange brother, Klaus Arpia, of Finland; grandchildren, Logan, Kya, and Tovar, all of Whitefish; Uncle, Dan (Faithe) Schellinger, of Columbia Falls; nieces, Heather (Robb) Bergeson, Nicci (J.D.) Daniher, and Megan (Josh) Griffiths; and nephews; Nathan (Jessica) Dolan, Kyle (Darcy) Schellinger, Dustin Ohs, Jesse Ohs, and Eric (Alisa) Allen; and many cousins and dear friends.
Randy was an exceptional father, grandfather, and uncle. He loved children and spending time with his sons and his friends. Randy will be missed by all who knew and loved him, but we can find peace knowing that he is free from pain and disease.
The family would like to thank Brendan House for their exceptional care of Randy. A celebration of life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway, on Thursday, September 3, 2015, at 11AM. If you wish to make a donation, please send to Hereditary Disease Foundation, Development office, 3960 Broadway, sixth floor, New York, NY 10032, or online at cures@hdfoundation.org.