Randolph “Randy” Tichota, 78, of Lincoln passed away at sunrise on April 26, 2023. Born March 31, 1945, to Jim and Mabel (Ahlman) Tichota in Lincoln. After graduation from University High School (1963), Randy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1966 as a Corporal E4.
He returned to Lincoln and throughout his career, worked as a Customer Service Representative repairing hardware with IBM, Kodak, Bizco and LaserTech. Following his baptism on June 30, 1971, Randy became a member of United Lutheran Church. He married Kathy Bauer on January 8, 1972. To this union were born two children, Robert and Amy. Creating memories with his family was the highlight of his life.
Randy had an affinity for cars. He and his dad worked together to repair family vehicles. He owned a 1959 Edsel (Eddie), collected and read various car books and magazines and looked forward every year to serving as a volunteer at the Sandhills Open Road Challenge in Arnold, Nebraska. Randy also enjoyed attending car shows and races throughout the U.S.
Randy and Kathy loved taking trips to various Nebraska towns. During one such trip to Seneca, Nebraska, they fell in love with the Sandhills and in 2001, purchased a home there. They spent many happy years renovating the house. Wanting others to be able to experience the Sandhills, Randy and Kathy shared their home with friends and family.
Randy’s love language was acts of service and he filled his life with doing things for others. Whether he was volunteering at the church, donating blood, or repairing tricycles for his wife’s preschool, Randy was always there to lend a hand. One of his most joyous times of life was after retirement, driving daily to Omaha to look after his newborn granddaughter, Josie. Two years later, he did the same thing for his second granddaughter, Emily.
Randy is survived by his wife Kathy Tichota; son Robert Tichota; daughter Amy Sanderford and husband, Aaron; granddaughters Josephine and Emily; brother Jim (Judy) Tichota; sister Kathy (Bill) Roussan; sister-in-law Donna Tichota; brother-in-law Kurt Bauer; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marlan Tichota, sister Caroline Province, and daughter-in-law Michelle (Bourgeois) Tichota.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at United Lutheran Church, 5945 Fremont Street, Lincoln. Cremation Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.
Memorials to be designated for People’s City Mission, Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center or United Lutheran Church.
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Randy… what a super guy and family. I first met him in High School as a junior classmate 2 years behind me. There are no words to describe his graceful manner and friendship. He will be a special honoree at the Lords table. I know he will enjoy sitting there with his great smile adorned.
Lord, bless Randy Tichota for all eternity. He was a kind and loving man, not only to his Family but everyone he came into contact with. God bless his soul! All my love, Judy Bourgeois
Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. No one told me. I have wonderful memories of you two when I was young and you took me on walks. He will be truly missed.
Again I am sorry for your loss.