Randall S. Hrkel

Randall Hrkel ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Hickey Memorial Chapels - New Lenox on Mar. 16, 2026.Randall S. (Randy) Hrkel age 80 of Tinley Park, IL went home to be with Jesus on March 11, 2026. Randy is survived by his wife Kathy Kaufman, a father to Stephanie (Steve), Sarah (Karl), Kyle, Jacob and Natalie; Randy has 2 grandchildren Alyssa and Kareena.He is proceeded in death by his parents Edward Hrkel and Betty nee Anderson.Randy was born in Cicero, IL and grew up in Riverside Brookfield, IL. He was a high-school state basketball champion and went on to play at Indiana University. He was drafted to the minors (New York Mets), but followed his passion for basketball and later coached many state qualifying teams at the high-school level. He taught himself tennis and became a top ranked 5.0 player for singles and doubles.Randy deeply touched the lives of many while being an educator for over 34 years. Most of those years were spent in School District 228 where he also coached golf, tennis and basketball. He was Club Sponsor for student council and spent numerous summers behind the wheel teaching students how to drive.You could often find Randy on the beaches of South Haven, Michigan throughout his entire life. His purchase of his second home there provided him with beautiful sunsets and time well spent with family and friends.Loving and providing for his family was what mattered most to Randy. He loved them fiercely and never took time with them for granted.Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in South Haven, Michigan.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.