Richard Frank Udvare, age 85, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 22, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Eleanor Adams. On August 10, 1963, he married the love of his life, Judith Knebel, beginning a marriage filled with love, devotion, and family.
Richard was a proud and devoted family man who treasured every moment spent with those he loved most. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events—volleyball, basketball, football, and soccer—where he was always their biggest fan and a steady source of encouragement from the sidelines. One of his favorite pastimes was going fishing with his brother-in-law, Dale Laine. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and watching infomercials, often finding himself intrigued enough to purchase the items they featured.
Richard will be remembered for his deeply compassionate and generous heart. He had a quiet way of noticing and caring for those who were often overlooked. Whether it was bringing homemade chicken soup to a gas station attendant, faithfully supporting the Salvation Army, or making sure there was always candy to share with children at church, Richard found joy in small acts of kindness that brightened the lives of others.
An avid reader throughout his life, Richard more recently enjoyed playing Words With Friends with both family members and friends from around the world. His faith was an important part of his life, and he loved attending worship services and singing praises to his Lord.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Judith (Knebel) Udvare; his children, Trisha (Jack) Decker and Laura (Frank) Crivello; his five cherished grandchildren, Madeline (Jacob) Butenuth, Jacqueline (Michael) Lord, Sydney Crivello (fiancé Benjamin Huber), Samantha Crivello, and Erik Decker; and three great-grandchildren, Maverick and Evelyn Lord, and Mabel Butenuth.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his sister, Rayetta Laine, and his brothers, Mike, Paul, and Harry Udvare. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Spilker.
A memorial service for Richard will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (5601 Washington Rd., Kenosha, WI 53144) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with visitation at the church from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. He will later be interred at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support they provided during Richard’s final days.
