Richard J. Bading

Richard J. Bading, 98, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, May 22, 2023. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at Teahen Funeral Home by Dr. Jim Coyle. Burial: St. John's Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 9 to 11 a.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. Adventurer, patriot, husband, father and superb friend, Richard was born on Dec. 13, 1924, in Castle Grove, son of Joseph and Staza Hogan Bading. He was a proud Army veteran serving during World War II from 1943 to 1945, part of General Patton's "Red Ball Express" and present during the Battle of the Bulge. Richard was awarded four bronze stars and the Belgian Fourragere. On July 27, 1949, he married the love of his life, Mimi Kutz, in Cedar Rapids. Richard satisfied his love of the open road as a long-haul truck driver for 35 years, retiring in 1983. After his retirement, he pursued another dream and launched the Bading Engine Service until 1993. Richard was a member of Teamsters 238. Richard was a mechanic who loved fixing problems others couldn't solve. He mastered everything he set his mind to, including ballroom dancing. He fed his restless curiosity through reading and traveling the country. Richard loved family time and will be missed. Richard is survived by his son, Thomas Bading of Volga; daughter, Mary Bading of Carmel, Calif.; grandchildren, Cameron (Kasi) Bading, Jeremiah (Karen) Bading and Blade Christian; and great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Claire and Nathan. Richard was preceded in death by his spouse of nearly 44 years, Mimi. May they be reunited in peace and in love. Richard's family would like to thank the staff at Hallmar Mercy for their wonderful care. Memorials may be directed to the family for a charity of their choice. Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.