Richard Meidlinger

1928 - 2025

Richard John Meidlinger

September 30, 1928 ~ September 28, 2025

Our dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Richard John Meidlinger, passed away quietly at his home in Draper, Utah on September 28, 2025. He would have celebrated his 97th birthday just two days later. He leaves his family with a warm and loving legacy.

Richard was born on September 30, 1928 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Michael John Meidlinger and Cecil Catherine Potter. He grew up in Council Bluffs and graduated from high school in 1946. While in high school, Richard was active in several sports including wrestling, football, and track with wrestling being his first love. He enjoyed sharing the story of his participation in the AAU Wrestling Tournament where he beat the Nebraska State Champion.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Bermuda and South Carolina. Following his military discharge, Richard moved to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University. He enrolled in March 1956 and received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting just 2 ½ years later in December 1958.

Upon graduation from BYU and passing the CPA exam, Richard worked in various accounting capacities at several different companies until he started his own private practice in 1970 where he remained until retiring in 2013 at the age of 85.

He married Betsey Luella Stratton on May 29, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had four children: Diane (Steve) Romney, Richard (Cheri), Janet Svendsen, and Connie (Randy) Judd. He and Betsey filled their children's lives with love and treasured family memories. Whether it was playing with the dogs, playing sports with his kids, or taking the annual family vacations, Richard and Betsey put their all into providing wonderful growing up years for their children.

Richard loved music. Even though he couldn't read music, he had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He always had music in the background at home and at his office. He was also passionate about sports especially when it came to his beloved BYU Cougars. He looooooooved watching college football and basketball with his brother, Mike.

He was a faithful active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served in many different callings. He had a deep love for the Gospel and a deep love for the Lord. He and Betsey instilled this in their children by teaching and by example. Richard touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He leaves a lifelong legacy of love.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his loving wife, Betsey, his parents, all 6 of his brothers and sisters, his grandson, Niklas, and many others whose lives were touched by Richard's kind spirit. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Patricia Wade, his four children mentioned above, seven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S State Street, Midvale. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00pm at Holladay Memorial Park Cemetery, 4900 S Memory Lane, Holladay. All those who love Richard and want to celebrate his life are welcome.

www.goffmortuary.com