Randy Wiseman

WILMINGTON—Randy Ray Wiseman, 69, "the dancing man," of Wilmington, formerly of Braceville passed away unexpectedly in his home on Nov. 12.
He was born Jan. 27, 1953 in Joliet to Harry and Geraldine Wiseman. Randy was a polite child, a good student who excelled academically, often receiving honors as valedictorian. He was nick-named "the tooth" in high school due to his wisdom in history, science and many other subjects and topics. He was also into sports, especially baseball, which, as a young adult, he coached the Braceville Little League team, umpired and coached the GSW High School baseball team. He also took the opportunity to do sports announcing on Morris radio, briefly, and was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and Blackhawks. At age 20, Randy took custody of his brother and sister when they were just 6 and 8 years old and enthusiastically raised them into adulthood as if they were his very own, although he never married or had children of his own.
In later years, his sister, Meri referred to him as "brother-dad." Randy worked many jobs in his life. First, at Daniels Auto Supply in Braceville and his favorite job was at Diamond Gas, where he made many friends. In 1994, he became caregiver to his disabled mother until she passed in 2015. Randy was also a lover of animals, reading and music. From the age of 10, he danced in his room, playing his 45 records and he carried that passion with him for the rest of his life. Eventually, he began dancing at carnivals, bars, benefits, and other local events. Where the bands played, Randy followed, and was dubbed "the dancing man." Several years ago, the Free Press did an article about him titled "The dancing man entertains at festival." He recently danced at the Stumble Inn and Wicked Cricket. Even at home, he both danced and read books about history, politics and biographies every single day. Randy was a very generous person and gave of himself always to help his parents, siblings and others, without expecting anything in return. With his passing, his family suffers the loss of a true friend and a generous soul.
Survivors include his sister and her fiance' Meri "Alilah" Cunning and Colin Miller; nephews: Ronald (Liz) Wren, Ryan (Jessica) Wren, Justin Wiseman and Josh (Amanda) Wiseman; niece, Jillian Wren; cousins, Cricket Bean and Lucille Strohm; former sister-in-law, Lori Libby; his best friend, Patrick Harvey; his pet cat, Cinnamon, and numerous extended family.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine Gutzman-Wiseman and Harry "Bunky" Wiseman; sister, Geri Lee Wren; brother, Jonathon Wiseman and niece, Memory Hope Wren.
Cremation rights are being accorded and handled by R. W. Patterson Funeral Home.