Frank David Rydalch

Frank David Rydalch, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully February 28, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, as his difficult journey with ALS came to a close. Frank was born April 26, 1955 as the youngest child of Robert and Adena Rydalch, and was adored by his siblings. He grew up in Hunter, Utah. He had a joyful childhood living near his grandparents, and playing with all the neighborhood kids. His uncles always made sure he had a horse, and he gained a love of horses.

He attended Whittier Elementary, Brockbank Junior High, Cyprus High School, then the University of Utah where he played basketball his freshman year. After which he joined the electrical apprenticeship, IBEW Local 354. Life changed immensely for Frank when his beloved mother passed away soon after his high school graduation.

Shortly after Frank met the love of his life, Sandra Lee Cloward, his dad unexpectedly passed away. He found himself adjusting to life without parents at the age of 21. Frank found solace in his family, and knew that what he wanted most, was a family of his own.

Frank and Sandy were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 23, 1977. Their marriage was filled with love and happiness. They welcomed 5 children and 12 grandchildren into their family during their 46 years of marriage. In 1990, Frank and Sandy moved their family to Oakley, Utah.

Frank’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved having everyone at his home, and attending their various activities. He was always there, and willing to help and support his family in whatever they needed. His absence will leave an immeasurable void.

Frank had a special love for basketball. He was tall and lean, and a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. His love of basketball was passed onto his children and grandchildren. He spent many years coaching each of his children. Much like his father, Frank was a prankster and a tease. When he wasn’t dealing with health ailments, he could regularly be heard laughing, teasing, and singing around the house. Frank could build or fix anything. He wired and plumbed his own house, installed all his landscaping, and did carpentry and automotive repairs. Frank loved to watch westerns, and found comfort in watching them as he suffered the devastating effects of ALS.

Frank started his career as an electrician at Wasatch Electric. He later became a Master Electrician. In 1994, he and his two brothers founded Rydalch Electric. He served as President for 14 years. He also served as Intermountain Chapter President of the National Electrical Contractors Association, Chairman for the Utah State Electrical Licensing Board, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Marriott Mountainside, and member of the Board of Directors for the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. 

Frank was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He always knew the church was true, and lived his life with integrity. He leaned on that testimony through the many challenges he faced. Some of his favorite callings were primary teacher, Stake Young Men’s Presidency, and Branch Presidency member of the local YSA Branch.

Special thanks to our angel mom, Sandy, for carefully and lovingly providing dad with round the clock care as he braved ALS with dignity and courage.

Frank is survived by his sweetheart Sandy, and their children Clinton (Debbie), Jody (Wes) Harris, Amber, Janie (Grady) Pace, and Robert (Emilee). As well as their grandchildren, Logan, Baylee, Cameron, Billy, Brody, Izzy, Kylee, Molly, Charlie, Rayna, and Nia. Brothers and sisters Ruby (Shirley) Larsen, Clyde (Ialien) Rydalch, Karen (Tom) Kearns. Brothers and sisters-in-law Larry Boynton, Joseph Hancock, Kerrie (Vern) Owen, Julie Cloward, Sterling (Jodi) Cloward.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Adena Rydalch, in-laws Gordon and Beverly Cloward, brother Robert (Jeanne) Rydalch, sisters Barbara Boynton and Nancy Hancock, and grandson Jack Jethro Pace.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 6-8 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Peoa Building, 1224 W State Rd 32, Oakley, Utah. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 12:00 PM, with a viewing prior from 10:30-11:45.