Randall McKillip

Randall J. "R.J." McKillip, age 71, of Warren, IL, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at his home in Warren. He was born October 16, 1953, in Darlington, WI, the son of George and Joan (Kammerud) McKillip. R.J. attended school in Darlington, first at Holy Rosary Catholic School and then High School at Darlington High School. He was united in marriage to Leslie Bliss on December 27, 1989, in Las Vegas, NV. R.J. was a very skilled carpenter and built many homes in Southern Wisconsin throughout his life. He was later part of the Madison Carpenters Union and was the superintendent at Di-Mar Construction where he built wastewater treatment plants. He passed his construction knowledge on to his children. In 2009, R.J. and Leslie moved to Monroe for 2 years and then moved to Brodhead where they ran Silver Dollar Saloon for 2 years. In 2024, they moved to Warren to be closer to family and have remained since. R.J. is survived by his wife Leslie at home; his children: Jeff (Brenda) Lillge, Greg Lillge, Wendy (Rick) Auer, Mark Lillge, Tony (Dawn) Lillge, John (Stephanie) Wahl, Brian Davis Jr., Justin (Theresa) Jacobs, and Amanda (Andy) Turpin, many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers: Steve (Becky) McKillip and Dennis (Jim) McKillip; two sisters: Laurie (Ron) Hannan and Kay Schulte; two brothers-in-law: Steve (Kathy) Bliss and Dana (Melissa) Shanks; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Mary Margaret McKillip in infancy; brothers-in-law: Barry Schulte, Tony Bliss, and Mike Bliss, a cousin: Rhonda (Richard) Benson, mother-in-law: Dee Shanks, father-in-law: Leslie Bliss; and his first wife: Betty Fritch. R.J. was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and the Madison Carpenters Union. He loved to be outdoors, where he liked to deer hunt, fish, hunt for mushrooms and take care of his yard. He was a talented pool shooter and musician. He loved to play the guitar and listen to country music. He was known by his family and friends as a guy that could fix just about anything and was always willing to help if he could. Per R.J.'s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Tap House in Warren. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in R.J.'s name.