Randy Lee Pugh, age 63, of Soldiers Grove, WI, formerly of rural Viola, WI, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior in the presence of his wife and children on Friday, December 24, 2021. Randy was born on March 14, 1958 in Viroqua to Merrill and Sally (Heal) Pugh. He grew up on Halverson Ridge Road in Soldiers Grove on the Pugh Family Farm. He was a proud graduate of the North Crawford High School class of 1976. Randy was a lifelong member of the Soldiers Grove Church of Christ. His church family will remember how much he enjoyed being a worship leader, offering a communion meditation and participating in Singspirations. In the fall of 1976, Randy met his Pretty Girl and Soulmate, Sharon Klingaman, at the Richland Center Roller Rink. That night, they held hands for the first time and felt a spark that lasted for a lifetime. On April 21, 1979, Randy and Sharon married and started their family on the Pugh family farm. In 1989 they moved to a new home near Sylvan. With time, they built a beautiful log home that was often filled with family, friends and laughter at countless holidays and celebrations. They had recently made the decision to move back to the family farm to start a new chapter, downsizing in part, so that Randy would have more time to do what made him happiest, helping anyone – in any way he could. He gave selflessly of his time, tools, and experience. He generously helped neighbors, family, and friends. We all knew that we could count on him. Nothing made him happier than helping those that he loved and cared for the most. Anyone that was blessed to know Randy will remember his fun sense of humor, beautiful smile, and warm hugs. Many of us have a memory of him breaking into dance at the sound of his own phone’s ring tone. If you’re lucky, you got to witness him swinging from the rafters of the log house with the grandkids. He would gladly take the wheel of a pontoon or Kabota with the grandchildren on a tube in tow. He was a simple, hardworking man that enjoyed driving. His career spanned many miles behind the wheel of anything that rolled down the road. Whether a milk or dump truck, school bus or eighteen-wheeler he loved the open road, passing time listening to conservative talk radio or his favorite 70’s music while keeping beat on the steering wheel. If he wasn’t listening to the radio he was catching up with friends and family on his Bluetooth.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sharon; his children, Melinda (Josh) Crick, Mindy (Chad) Baker, and Derrick (Marguerite Huss) Pugh; “Papa Toad’s” grandchildren, Alex, Hannah, Eli, Caleb, Malachi, Levi, Lydia and Elam Crick, Alex and Jada Baker, and honorary granddaughter, Sarah; siblings, Joan (Steve) Mott, David Pugh, and Beverly (Ron) Schmidt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Suzanne, Sally, Richard, Doug, and Darren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Merrill and Sally Pugh; and his father-in-law, Keith Klingaman.

A Celebration of Randy’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Viroqua Church of Christ with Pat Jackson and Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Soldiers Grove. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Thorson-Popp Funeral and Cremation Services in Viroqua from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Viroqua Church of Christ. Out of respect for the family and compassion for our community and loved ones, the family requires that all those in attendance wear a mask. Cards of condolence may be sent to the Randy Pugh Family at P.O. Box 248, Viroqua, WI, 54665.  Thorson-Popp Funeral and Cremation Services in Viroqua is entrusted with his services.