Richard YUDT

1940 - 2022

Richard Charles Yudt passed away October 7, 2022 at the age of 82 from Alzheimer's surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband to his wife of almost 60 years, Yong Cha, good father to his son, Dennis, and daughter, Cheryl and doted on his grandsons, Lucian Yudt and Tyler and Travis Dowell. He is survived by his older brother, John Yudt Jr, and his wife Marilyn. Richard was born April 2, 1940 to John & Hannah Yudt in Chicago, IL where he grew up and attended Luther South high school. Upon graduation, he joined the Air Force for his first stint in 1961, before reenlisting in 1964. It was when he was stationed in Korea that he met the love of his life, Yong Cha, and they were married in 1962. They loved dancing at the NCO club and even though there was a language gap, they persevered. Once moved back to the US, they settled down and started a family, while Richard was a baker in the USAF. After many moves to various bases, Richard and Yong settled in Rancho Cordova, CA, where they bought a house in 1979 where they lived at for thirteen years as Richard studied to become a dietician, which he was until he retired from the Air Force honorably as Master Sargent after 24 years. He then proceeded to work at Folsom Prison as a baker and vocational trainer for 10 years, while attending Sacramento City College, where he received his AA degree. It was after this stint that Richard and Yong retired and decided to move to Spokane, WA, where they built their dream home. It was here that they enjoyed traveling, gardening and being loving grandparents to Lucian, and later Tyler and Travis after Cheryl married her late husband, Darrin. It was here that Rich and Yong could be found together watching their beloved Chicago Cubs and other Chicago sports teams together in the TV room, with their recliners next to each other. Old war movies and anything with

John Wayne were required viewing. Anyone who knew Richard knew that he had a sarcastic sense of humor, a snacker with a sweet tooth, and enjoyed writing letters to old friends. A life-long Lutheran, Richard served as head usher at the various churches he and Yong attended and was devoted to his faith. As a Christian who believed in helping others, he supported no less than 30 charities, from the Humane Society to various Veteran's causes. But, most of all, Richard loved Yong Cha along with his time in the military, without which they would have never met. Richard will be receiving a full military funeral at the Veteran's Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA on Oct 27, 2022 at 11AM. All friends are invited to this intimate service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a veterans charity of choice. Rest in peace, Richard. You did good and we are all proud of you and your life well-lived. You will be missed and loved by all that knew you. We love you.

Please share your memories of Richard on his Tribute Wall at www.HennesseyValley.com.