Tyler Randal Aukland

Tyler Randal Aukland (March 16, 1985 – January 8, 2026)

Lyons-Formerly of Racine

Tyler Randal Aukland, age 40, of Lyons, Wisconsin, passed away on January 8, 2026, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his mother and his four brothers.

Born in Racine on March 16, 1985, to Sherrill and the late Randall Aukland, Tyler was a happy, outgoing, and energetic boy from the start. He grew up riding 4-wheelers in the farm fields, developing a lifelong passion for vehicles. Tyler’s path was defined by his natural entrepreneurial spirit. Possessing business instincts and vision mirroring his father’s, Tyler was an ideas person who could look at a challenge and see opportunity. He had the foresight to see potential where others didn't, breathing new life into every project he touched.

Tyler operated multiple successful businesses in Southeastern Wisconsin, including North Country Foods, Lincoln Home Buyers, Rise and Shine Power Washing, and Securify Storage. He was persuasive, tenacious, and had a natural gift for connecting with others. Ultimately, his business success was driven by a genuine desire to understand people and help them.

Tyler’s personality was a force of nature, truly larger than life. He was gregarious, persistent, and bursting with energy. When Tyler entered a room, the atmosphere changed immediately thanks to his lively, playful nature. It was impossible to have a conversation with him without smiling or laughing. Tyler loved to entertain others with impressions, movie quotes, and characters he invented himself.

He lived life on his own terms. A free spirit and an adventurer, he was spontaneous and loved to celebrate life. He loved all types of music and was often found singing, clapping, and dancing when the mood struck him. He found peace and beauty in Lake Geneva, enjoyed vacationing with his family, and loved traveling, especially snowboarding the mountains of Breckenridge.

Above all else, Tyler adored his son, Prestin Bryce Gissell. Prestin was the most important person in his life, and Tyler was incredibly proud of him. They shared a love for car shows and water parks, often spending hours swimming and going down slides together. The simple act of riding in the car, listening to music, and dancing brought them both enormous joy. Tyler always encouraged Prestin to try new things and supported him in everything he did.

Tyler had a generous heart. He made those around him feel taken care of, sharing his time, his skills, and his belongings freely. He shared a deep, enduring bond with his four brothers. They remained a tight-knit unit and were always close. He was a fierce supporter of his family, often reminding them of their own greatness during difficult times. He loved his mother deeply and cherished the time he spent with his late father.

In true Tyler fashion, his generosity continued to the very end. As an organ donor, Tyler received a moving Honor Walk at the hospital, where family, friends, and staff lined the halls to honor his life. His heart, liver, and kidneys were gifted to recipients waiting for a miracle.

Tyler will be dearly missed by his mother, Sherrill Aukland; his son, Prestin Bryce Gissell; his brothers, Erik Aukland and Jana Felbinger of Redondo Beach, CA, and their children Eva and Markus; Shaun Aukland of San Francisco, CA; Jacob Aukland of Racine, WI, and his daughter Vaeda; and Krisjan Aukland and Kelsey Krimmer of Union Grove, WI; his longtime girlfriend, Katie Raffini; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Randall Aukland.

All of Tyler's family, friends, and those who wish to pay their respects are welcome to join us in remembering him and celebrating the beautiful life he lived. A visitation will be held at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street in Racine, on Saturday, January 17, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m.