Randy Eugene Englebrecht, 63, of Fort Madison, IA formerly of Keokuk,

IA died Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

He was born October 26, 1959, in Waterloo, Iowa to Mother Louise (Humphrey) Gooden and Father Eugene Englebrecht. His mother Louise worked hard providing for Randy as he was growing up.

Randy was united in marriage to Lisa Lile on May 12, 1990. They later divorced in 2009.

One of Randy's first jobs was mowing lawns for several customers and working at the Grand Theater. He worked at Walters Roofing, Steel Castings, and catering for Go-cart races. Randy co-owned and operated E and E Auto Salvage for many years with his brother Ed. He owned a kettle corn business and later in life owned a concession stand at the racetrack in Farmington.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Keokuk. Regardless of what direction his life took his strong faith in the Lord was a constant and integral part of who he was. Often times he would read scriptures that were underlined by his grandmother in her bible. He always ended his day with a prayer.

During his childhood he was a member of a junior bowling league. In his younger years he was involved in school plays. Randy graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1979. He was president of his high school class and a part of the student council. He participated in school sports, wrestling and football.

Throughout the entirety of his life, even following the closing of the auto salvage business he remained heavily immersed in working on countless automobile projects.

Randy was an amazing cook that greatly enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. He took pride in learning everything he knew about cooking from his grandma Mary Humphrey. Most of his time was spent outdoors; hunting mushrooms, geodes, arrowheads, camping, gardening, pheasant, rabbit, and quail hunting, fishing, and working on the farm with animals.

He was extremely passionate about music and attending concerts. His favorite genre was Rock & Roll. A fond memory of his involved him winning the "Crazy Dayz Employee Costume Contest" as Gene Simmons from the rock band KISS.

There is nothing he cherished more than spending time with his family and friends. He never knew a stranger. He made it priority to constantly be there to help everyone. Always being there to help anyone out of the goodness of his big heart, never expecting anything in return. His greatest weakness made it impossible for him to turn anyone away. Most everyone knew him for flashing his genuinely big vibrant smile. You could always see the love and charismatic, fun-loving personality shining through his eyes. He constantly enjoyed utilizing his quick witted, quirky, and goofy, sense of humor to make anyone around him laugh. His spirit was instantaneously contagious and mesmerizing.

Many fun memories were created with friends and family when he took his pontoon boat out on the river. The nieces and nephews remember many good times spent with their uncles teaching them how to fish and on his boat. After a day out on the river the day would come to a close with grilling and pitching tents for the night.

He frequently reminisced about his travels. Some highlights experienced include his adventures in California, New Mexico, Colorado, and Las Vegas.

Randy is survived by his father, Gene Englebrecht of Cedar Rapids; his children: Ashley Philp of Fort Madison; Megan Englebrecht of Keokuk; Brian Baker of Georgia; and Kaitlyn Wheeler of Lockridge; his grandchildren: Tyler and Sierra, his siblings: Monica (Craig) Nye of Fort Madison, Ed Englebrecht of Keokuk, Merlena Henderson of Fort Madison, Gina Henderson of Keokuk, Ash (Echo) Wright of Donnellson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Louise (Humphrey) Gooden, one infant brother Steven, maternal grandparents Fred and Mary Humphrey, Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Sonny Humphrey, Aunt Josie Dunn, and cousins Greg Summers, and Gail Six.

A Celebration of Life was held at 3 p.m. on April 7, 2023, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Reverend Bill Mitchell officiating.

Visitation was held prior to the service on Friday from 1 – 3 pm with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses.