Katie Kieffer Obituary: Darlington Woman Dies After Shooting in Grant County

Katie Kieffer, 35, of Darlington, Wisconsin, died on September 19 after a shooting in the Township of Smelser near Cuba City. Her death has left family and loved ones grieving as authorities continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:28 p.m. following reports that two people had suffered gunshot wounds outside a residence on Rose Lane. Kieffer was found deceased at the scene.

The other person involved was identified by authorities as Ben Randecker, 40, of rural Cuba City. Investigators said Kieffer and Randecker had previously been in a relationship and shared a child, although their relationship had ended before the shooting.

What Authorities Say Happened

Sheriff Craig Reukauf said Kieffer had gone to Randecker’s residence to drop off their child. Investigators allege that after Kieffer arrived and got out of her vehicle, Randecker shot her with a handgun before shooting himself.

Randecker was transported to a medical facility and later died at a Madison hospital.

The child was not injured in the incident and was subsequently placed with family members.

The investigation remains focused on establishing the complete sequence of events that led to the shooting and the deaths of Kieffer and Randecker.

Previous Arrest Involving Randecker

Authorities also reported that Randecker had been arrested in Lafayette County on August 14 following an incident in Darlington. The allegations reported in connection with that case included domestic battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and stalking.

Those allegations were separate from the September 19 shooting. An arrest or allegation does not by itself establish that a person committed an offense, and the earlier case should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing beyond the applicable legal proceedings.

Remembering Katie Kieffer

Information publicly available about Katie Kieffer’s childhood, education, career, interests and other aspects of her personal life remains limited. Rather than fill those gaps with unverified details, her story is best remembered through the confirmed information surrounding her death and the family relationships that remain affected by her loss.

At just 35 years old, Kieffer’s life came to an abrupt end. For those closest to her, the grief extends beyond the circumstances of the shooting to the loss of a family member whose presence had been part of their lives.

Her child, who was unharmed, is also at the center of the family’s efforts to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Katie Kieffer Death and Investigation

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and determine the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. Further information may be released as the investigation progresses.

For Kieffer’s family and friends, however, the investigation is unfolding alongside an immediate and deeply personal loss. Their focus now is on grieving, supporting one another and remembering Katie with dignity.

Katie Kieffer’s death has affected the Darlington and surrounding communities, leaving those who knew her to confront a loss that came suddenly and tragically.

May her memory be treated with compassion and respect, and may her loved ones find strength and support as they navigate the difficult days ahead.