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<em>Randall Lee Gehler</em>, born Randal Lee Freise on 22 Jan 1955, passed away on 23 Sep 1999 from inoperable pancreatic and liver cancer. The funeral service was attended by more than 300 people from across the U.S.</p>
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Randal was born to Barbara Ann Thorson Freise and Merle Leonard Freise in Ottawa, IL, the second of two sons. Randal’s early years were spent on a farm, but in 1961 his father died of cancer. In 1963, Randal’s mother married James G. Gehler, a professional engineer with three brothers who were career Army officers. Randal’s stepfather was such a positive influence that Randal changed his last name to Gehler. Growing up, Randal always was a quiet, friendly, and well-liked young man.</p>
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His easygoing demeanor belied an intense competitive nature that caused him to push himself to be the best at everything he attempted—be it scouting, athletics, or academics.</p>
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Throughout high school, Randal competed in track, football, and swimming. Randal was a member of the National Honor Society and commander of his Junior ROTC unit his senior year. Before his 18th birthday, he had become an Eagle Scout, earned the God and Country award from the Lutheran Church, and became a member of the Order of the Arrow—the highest Boy Scout honor. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School in June 1973.</p>
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Randal entered West Point in July 1973, four weeks after his brother Kent Freise graduated with the Class of ’73. One of Randal’s greatest challenges at West Point came during New Cadet Barracks. He had to convince his Tactical Officer that, after only five weeks, he should be excused for a Saturday afternoon and evening to attend his brother’s wedding at the Cadet Chapel, serve as the best man, and then offer a toast at the wedding reception that evening. Randal continued with Boy Scouts by serving on the Scoutmaster’s Council during his Plebe year at West Point. Besides intramural sports, he lettered in varsity track. Additionally, he was a member of the Engineering Forum and served as Seminar Chairman during his Cow year.</p>
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Upon graduation in 1977, Randal was commissioned in the Armor branch. Shortly thereafter, Randal married his first wife, Nancy. During their marriage they had four children—two sons, Kyle and Keith, and twin daughters, Ashley and Carley. Several years later, Randal transferred to the Quartermaster Corps. During his Army years, he was able to earn a Master of Science degree from Clemson University. His assignments included Ft. Knox, KY; Ft. Hood, TX; Ft. Lee, VA; two tours in the Republic of Korea; Ft. Bragg, NC; and Ft. Stewart, GA. He took short tours in Korea in order for the children to remain in the U.S. and not have their lives interrupted. It was very hard on Randal to miss out on so much of their lives, but he was that kind of man. He sacrificed for his family. He left the Army in 1992 under the earlier retirement program in effect at that time.</p>
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Randal worked at any job he could find in order to stay on the East Coast, where Nancy’s family lived. He had great opportunities in other parts of the U.S. but agreed to try and stay near her family. He worked as a stock boy for a while, just to put food on the table. That was hard for a man who had a master’s degree in engineering. He finally landed a job with a government contracting company called Sherikon, as a Project Coordinator, and moved to Orlando, FL. After a short time in Orlando, Nancy asked for a divorce. No divorce is easy, and Randal’s was very hard on him. He deeply loved his children and suffered with the knowledge that he would never again be a daily part of their lives. Randal later transferred to Killeen, TX, to be closer to his children, who had moved to Colorado. In Killeen, he worked as the STRICOM liaison in the Digital Force Coordination Cell at Ft. Hood, TX.</p>
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Randal had been single for about four years when he met Sandra at a square dance lesson. Randal was the past president of the Killeen Kickers Square Dance Club. They quickly became friends and realized that they had a lot in common. They fell in love and married in November 1997 in Randal’s parent’s church in Ottawa, IL. Randal was a committed Christian all of his life and served on various boards in whatever church he was attending. While at Immanuel Lutheran in Killeen, he served as church treasurer and as youth coordinator. Randal had just begun organizing a scouting program at the church when he became ill.</p>
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His cancer was diagnosed on 23 Jul 1999, and he died 23 Sep 1999. Randal trusted God with his life, and he trusted Him with his death. He said three days before he died that he didn’t understand why God was allowing this to happen, but he knew that God had a reason and a plan. His only regret was that he was unable to see his four children before he died. We did not realize how fast the cancer would take him. He never complained or became angry throughout his battle. He was a true example to others.</p>
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Randal was a gifted individual, a truly good person of honesty and integrity. Randal upheld the highest of morals and values in both word and deed. He worked hard to meet his obligations and could always be counted on. His loyalty was a cornerstone of all of his relationships. He did not complain; instead he did his best to have a fruitful life. "Be thou at Peace!"</p>
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<em>Wife Sandra, brother Kent Freise ’73, friend Max Hall ’78, and classmate Greg Copperthite</em></p>