Richard Joseph Vaudrin, 81, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully at home with his family close by his side. He was born in Crookston on June 26, 1943 to beloved parents, Thomas and Agnes (Jolly) Vaudrin.
Growing up, Richard attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Crookston and as a young child developed a strong work ethic at 10 years old. Richard started out working by picking strawberries for a neighbor before moving on to work on a farm for his Uncle Edgar. In his early teens, Richard worked with his dad at Paddy and Paul’s Gas and Fuel Station doing whatever his dad asked including helping deliver oil. After that, he worked 6 more years for another farmer, before going on to work at the Coca Cola Plant for a few years. He then went to work at the Polk County Highway Department in 1970, where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 2005 after a long and dedicated career.
On July 2, 1966, he married JoAnn Gruhot. They were married until 1983 and had 2 children, Tod and Michelle. In 1985, Richard met the love of his life, Renee Williams. Although they had known of each other, they were encouraged by their friends to engage in somewhat of a blind date, which led to them getting married at Trinity Lutheran Church on February 21, 1987. Richard had his 2 children from his first marriage and Renee had four of her own; Dee, Jason, Kim and Chad, blending their two families into one solid loving unit.
In his personal life, Richard was larger than life, known for his big personality and infectious sense of humor that would light up any room. He cherished the holiday seasons, especially the times when all the kids would come home, filling his house with laughter and love. These moments became priceless memories that will forever linger in the hearts of his family.
A true car enthusiast, Richard found joy in collecting model cars and caring for his vehicles. His weekends often included cleaning his cars to perfection or spending time in the garage, always tidying up. This love for cars was more than just a hobby. You could find him and Renee in or at a car show. They also enjoyed winters in Texas and camping at the lake. They were also members of the Crookston Classic Cruisers for many years as well as the Eagles #873.
Richard’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but he will be remembered fondly for his lively spirit, his love of laughter and the countless memories shared with those he loved. As his family continues to navigate through life without him, they will carry forward the lessons he taught them about humor, diligence and the importance of togetherness. Richard Joseph Vaudrin will always live on in our hearts and memories.
Richard is survived by his wife, Renee Vaudrin, of Crookston; his brother Gale (Peggy) Vaudrin, Houston, TX. Children: Tod (Pam) Vaudrin, Faribault, MN; Michelle (Wes Booker) Vaudrin, Maumelle, AR; Dee (Mike) Stanley, Crookston, MN; Jason (Carla) Williams, Cordova, TN; Kim Williams, Champlin, MN, and Chad Williams. Grandchildren: Aaron Nicholas, Cory Vaudrin, Meghann Stanley, Alyssa Brown, Alex Stanley, Logan Vaudrin, Bryan Stanley, Morgan Williams, Alexis Mattsfield, Madison Strait, Alyson Mattsfield, Payton Vaudrin, Makenzie Williams, Abbygayle Williams, Avery Williams and Carter Williams. Great-Grandchildren: Ryder Vaudrin, Kolton Williams, Quinn Brown, Kynlee Vaudrin, Weston Vaudrin, Eleanor Nicholas and Kyler Stanley. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Scott (Lisa) Vaudrin; Kristi (Mike) Roemmich; Cyndi (Julian) Meza and Stacy Vaudrin as well as many other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Agnes Vaudrin; grandparents; Nap and Leah (Gervais) Vaudrin; Rodrique and Angelina (Fournier) Jolly as well as many aunts and uncles that will welcome him to the gates of Heaven.
There will be a prayer service held at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM, with visitation held two hours prior to that service. There will also be a time for sharing of memories. The memorial service honoring Richard’s life will be held the following day on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the funeral home at 2:00 PM, with visitation one-hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery the same day.
