Richard R. Yedinak

Mr. Richard R. Yedinak, age 94, currently of Waukesha, WI and formerly of Grand Haven, MI and Nashua, NH, passed away Sunday, March 28, 2021. He was born June 27, 1926 in Grand Haven to Joseph and Mary (Kasper) Yedinak. On September 11, 1948 he married the love of his life Theresa Knue and she preceded him in death on December 17, 1999. His main devotion was to family.

He was a loving husband and father. Also, Richard devoted himself to his church, first to St. Patrick’s Catholic church in Grand Haven, and then for 38 years at St. Joseph, The Worker, Catholic church in Nashua, NH. He opened the church and attended mass every day and performed many duties there. He was on numerous church committees and volunteered frequently, especially at the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus. Richard was a prolific and generous patron of many charities for the needy. At various times he enjoyed playing softball, fishing, bowling, and golfing.

He also enjoyed the company of many dear friends and family from both Grand Haven and Nashua. His Nashua friends were special to him in his retirement. Together they had many great adventures. It was in 1982, after living in Grand Haven for 56 years, he & Theresa had moved to Nashua NH. with the relocation of his company Gardner Denver/ Cooper Industries. Richard was a kind gentle person who cared for others, loved his family, was devoted to his church, and ended every phone call with “God Bless”. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by four children: Jean (Steve) Heric, Phil (Winny) Yedinak, Joe Yedinak, Barb (Ken) Miller; daughter-in-law, Sandra Yedinak; fifteen grandchildren: Emily, Justine, Betsy, Michael, Megan, Mia, Jesse, Cali, Alyssa, Devin, Sarah, Jacob, Elya, Joel, and Shannon. And eleven great-grandchildren: He was preceded by his son, Richard Joseph in 2015; and all eight of his siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church in Grand Haven, MI with Rev. Charles Swartz officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Monday, April 5, 2021 with a Rosary at 6:30 PM at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Interment will take place at Robinson Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be given to a food pantry of your choice. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.