Katie R. Kieffer, 35, of Darlington, Wisconsin, is being remembered following her death in a fatal Grant County shooting on September 19, 2026.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office identified Kieffer as the woman who died after deputies responded to a report of two people with gunshot wounds outside a residence in the Town of Smelser, near Cuba City.
Authorities said Kieffer had gone to the residence to drop off the child she shared with Ben Randecker, 40. According to investigators, Randecker shot Kieffer after she arrived and then shot himself. Kieffer died at the scene, while Randecker later died at a Madison hospital.
The circumstances of the shooting have left family, friends and members of the Darlington and Grant County communities mourning a life that ended at the age of 35.
Katie Kieffer Remembered by Family and Friends
Katie’s obituary describes her as someone who left behind a legacy of love, positivity and kindness.
She was a mother, daughter, sister and friend whose relationships were an important part of her life.
Her obituary particularly highlights the importance of her son, Rolan, describing him as her greatest joy and someone she was deeply proud of.
For those who knew Katie, her death represents much more than the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It is the loss of a mother and loved one whose presence was woven into the everyday lives of the people closest to her.
Katie Kieffer’s Life in Darlington
Katie was from Darlington, Wisconsin, where she was involved in her community and maintained close relationships with family and friends.
She served as Secretary of the Pecatonica Valley Antique Club and was described in her obituary as someone who never missed a meeting.
Outside of her community involvement, Katie enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family.
She also valued her friendships and looked forward to annual vacations with her girlfriends. Those trips gave her opportunities to share laughter and create memories with people who were important to her.
Katie Kieffer Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Katie R. Kieffer |
| Age | 35 |
| Hometown | Darlington, Wisconsin |
| Date of death | September 19, 2026 |
| Location of incident | Town of Smelser, near Cuba City, Wisconsin |
| Cause of death | Fatal gunshot wounds |
| Child | Son, Rolan |
| Community involvement | Secretary of Pecatonica Valley Antique Club |
| Interests | Gardening, cooking and vacations with friends |
| Funeral service | Mass of Christian Burial |
| Funeral date | September 25, 2026 |
| Funeral location | Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Darlington |
A Mother Remembered for Her Love of Her Son
One of the strongest themes in Katie’s obituary is her relationship with her son, Rolan.
The obituary describes him as the center of her world and emphasizes the pride and love she had for him.
Her role as a mother was therefore an important part of the life her family and friends will remember.
Following her death, those closest to Katie will continue to carry the memories of the time they shared with her and the role she played in their lives.
Grant County Shooting Investigation
The shooting was reported at approximately 1:28 p.m. on September 19, when Grant County dispatchers received a 911 call about two people with gunshot wounds outside a residence on Rose Lane in the Town of Smelser.
When deputies arrived, they found Katie dead and Randecker injured near a vehicle.
First responders treated Randecker before he was taken to Southwest Health Center in Platteville and later transferred to a Madison hospital, where he died.
The sheriff’s office said the two had previously been in a relationship and shared a child, but their relationship had recently ended.
Authorities also said Randecker had been arrested on August 14 in connection with an incident in Darlington involving allegations of domestic battery, domestic disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and stalking. Those were prior charges and should not be treated as convictions.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
Katie Kieffer Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements have been announced through Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home.
A second visitation will take place on Friday, September 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington.
The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, September 25, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father William Vernon officiating.
Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. The family has also established a memorial fund in Rolan’s name.
Remembering Katie Kieffer
Katie’s life included family, friendship, community involvement and the simple interests that brought meaning to her everyday experiences.
She enjoyed gardening and cooking, valued time with friends and remained involved with the Pecatonica Valley Antique Club.
Above all, her obituary portrays her as a devoted mother who took great pride in her son.
Those details offer a fuller picture of Katie beyond the tragic circumstances of her death.
Family and friends now face the difficult task of grieving while preserving the memories of the woman they knew and loved.
A Life Cut Short at 35
Katie Kieffer was 35 years old when her life came to an abrupt end.
Her death has affected not only her immediate family but also people in the Darlington and Grant County communities who knew her through friendships, community activities and shared experiences.
As the investigation continues, the focus for those closest to Katie will remain on remembering the life she lived and the people she loved.
Her son, family members and friends will carry forward the memories of Katie and the impact she had during her lifetime.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Katie R. Kieffer’s published obituary. Authorities are continuing to investigate the September 19, 2026, shooting in the Town of Smelser. Details concerning the prior arrest mentioned in this article are allegations and charges, not convictions. The article does not independently determine legal responsibility beyond the information attributed to investigators.