Randy Schalk

Randy Schalk

Randy Schalk of Kent Washington passed away on January 6, 2025 at the age of 63 from an aortic aneurysm. He was born on January 13, 1961, to Mathias (Matt) and Grace Schalk. Randy and his six siblings grew up on Hickory Street in Anaconda, Montana. An athletic crew spent their time outdoors jumping bicycles, building and racing go-carts, fishing, motorcycling, sledding in the winter, and playing football in the front yard or on the street. Randy, his brothers, and the Moodry boys made up the Hickory Street gang. The group lived on the edge and drove their neighbors and parents crazy with their daredevil antics (Evil Knievel was their idol). After graduating from Anaconda High, Randy attended the Billings Vo-tech, married his high school sweetheart (Helen Charney), and moved to Kent, Washington. Randy and Helen later divorced. 

Randy worked as a precision aluminum cutter in Washington and later as a tile layer, where his artistic skills were in high demand. A skilled craftsman, Randy did numerous remodeling projects for family and friends. His specialty was bathrooms, where he could incorporate his artistic vision. He eventually convinced his brother Boone to assist him in these projects, providing additional hands. 

Like his father, Matt, Randy was a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. He enjoyed fishing and camping in the Pacific Northwest. Randy would return to Anaconda every July to play in the Goosetown Softball Tournament. Randy would convince his Pied Piper softball team to join him at the tournament, filling in any holes with friends and family. Success at the tournament was directly correlated to the number of these holes Randy had to fill. If not camping, fishing, or playing softball, Randy could be found at the Pied Piper Tavern in Kent, hanging out with Bobby, Stevie, and all his longtime friends, playing darts, and an occasional game of shuffleboard.

Surviving Randy are his siblings: Cathy (Bob) Eccleston of Anaconda, MT; Dan “Boone” Schalk (Lynne) of Kent, WA; Rick (Diane) Schalk of Butte, MT; Stu (Peggy) Schalk of Missoula, MT; Stacey (Tim) Sattler of Renton, WA. Because Randy never had any children, he was a special uncle to his nieces and nephews: Amy Verlanic of Anaconda, MT; Christopher Schalk of Melrose, MT; Joe Pat Schalk of Butte, MT; Callie Roche of Anaconda, MT and Jeremy Schalk of Boise, ID.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias “Matt” and Grace Schalk, and his brother David. No services are planned at this time.