Dear campers,

As an extension of our family, we want to share some news about the patriarch of the Isaacson family, Randy, one of our beloved owners, who recently passed away. Randy, alongside his wife Theresa and their three daughters, Rachel, Bridget, and Marley, rooted their family story in northern Wisconsin. In 1985, they began a family tradition of camping in Warrens, WI – a getaway that became a treasure trove of shared moments and lasting memories they could enjoy together. Each year, the family eagerly returned to see what was new and would often become emotional as they left, leaving with hearts full of joy from the memories made.

As a loan officer, Randy had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always curious about other businesses. One summer while on vacation at Jellystone Park™ in Warrens, a chance encounter with the owner's son-in-law sparked Randy's curiosity about the campground's financing. This encounter paved the way for Randy to pioneer campground financing, leading him to lending for many campgrounds across the US, which really enhanced his love for the industry and commitment to helping other owners become successful. 

Randy quickly channeled that energy into purchasing  his own family operated Jellystone Park™ location.  After exploring six different  business opportunities and campground locations, Randy, with the support of a  friend and business partner, became part owner of Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia. Randy was a faithful man who didn’t become weary when those five other opportunities fell through, rather he prayed and trusted in God’s plan. 

Over the years, all three daughters, along with several grandchildren, became integral to the family business.  The campground became a fully family-owned venture within the Isaacson family, a source of immense pride for Randy. Randy was a big kid at heart, finding joy in building a dream for his kids and grandkids, as well as creating something for families like yours to enjoy. Randy’s influence and big dreams can be seen throughout the resort. Our original “Hey! Ride” wagon was quite small, and  we knew we needed to build a new one to accommodate our guests. Randy envisioned a larger-than-life picnic basket that we still use today. He also dreamed of hosting a Christmas Light Show that would allow us to employ staff year-round along with  a giant sleigh for riders to enjoy amid the twinkling lights. The management team mostly consisted of the Isaacson family through 2018, and like the dreamer he was, Randy had hoped to expand our  amenities for campers. His dream included additional managers to ease the workload of the family, granting them more time to be together and the freedom to attend special events such as family weddings.  Armed with just a pencil and graph paper, Randy sketched out each site surrounding Bear Paw Beach, with dreams of additional amenities, sites, and cabins. 

This past summer, Randy took 11 of his 12 grandkids on a trip across 5 states in a motorhome, allowing  them the opportunity to enjoy camping, learn about history, and spend quality time together. He loved teaching them about giving back and serving others. 

We share this with you all because Randy loved nothing more than creating a place for you to come and create lasting  memories. You likely saw him maneuvering  a piece of equipment around the campground, maybe even a tractor, with one of his twelve beloved grandkids on his lap.

Randy’s memory will continue to live on through his beloved wife and daughters, his grandkids, and in the park he created.  Randy’s most recent vision was a big snowless tubing slide hill that has been under construction this past year and is set to open this season at Bear Paw Adventure Park. While we are saddened that he won’t get to see its completion, we know how much he loved creating something people could enjoy.  Our family extends a heartfelt thanks to each one of you for bringing him incredible joy and for allowing him the freedom to be an eternal innovator. In honor of Randy's spirit and commitment to his big dreams, we look forward to continuing to provide you with new and exciting ways to create memories worth repeating.

With gratitude, 

The Isaacson Family