Randy Ishman, 69, of Oelwein passed away Saturday August 23, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 PM-2:00 PM on October 5, 2025 at the American Legion in Oelwein. The Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein is assisting the family and cards may be sent there.
Randall (Randy) James Ishman was born in Waterloo on October 5, 1955 to parents James and Marlys (Russell) Ishman. He graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1973. He was married to Tammy Fauser and they had two children. They later divorced. On April 28, 1998 he was united in marriage with Lori (Wagner) Shaffer in West Union. Randy was most recently employed in Human Services as a Life Support Worker until his retirement.
Randy was known for his sense of humor and quick wit—he never missed a chance to tell a joke and bring laughter to those around him, many could say he was the best joke teller around. He lived with a generous heart, always ready to help others in need, often putting others before himself. His kindness, laughter, and selflessness touched countless lives and will continue to be remembered by all who knew him.
He took a lot of pride in his family and sharing stories with them. Randy knew how to light up a room with his laughter and smile. Nobody felt like stranger around Randy as he was always welcoming and gracious.
He had a passion for fishing, hunting, playing pool, watching his favorite TV shows, gambling, playing all card games, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and his grandchildren and they brought him a lot of joy (and stress).
He leaves behind family and friends who loved him deeply and will miss his presence dearly.
Left to celebrate Randy’s life are his wife Lori of Oelwein; his children: William (Amber) Ishman of Gilbertville, Steve (Jessica) Ishman of Bondurant, Shelby (Michael) Eldridge of Oelwein and Sara Shaffer of Oelwein; his grandchildren: Brayden, Rhett, Paislee, Maddux and McKinley; his sister Deb Fox of Oelwein. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, in infancy, Robin.
