Richard N. Wauda

Richard (Dick) Nathan Wauda passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the age of 80. Richard was born to Nathan and Marion Wauda on October 14, 1945, in Neenah, Wisconsin, where he spent his childhood with his brothers, Charles (Chuck) and Robert (Bobby). He graduated from Neenah High School and attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he studied toward a degree in earth science before joining the Army. He enlisted in 1968 and served with the 4th Infantry, seeing combat in the Vietnam War. He was extremely proud of his service and was awarded numerous military decorations, including a Silver Star and a Bronze Star. In approximately 1984, he moved to Washington with his only son, Mason.

Richard is survived by his son, Mason (Amy) Wauda; granddaughters, Makena Jo and Madison Elizabeth; and his brother, Charles (Raylene) Wauda of Darboy, Wisconsin. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Marion (Mott) Wauda, and his brother, Robert (Bobby) Wauda.

Dick’s pride and joy was his only child, Mason Wesley. He loved him more than life itself and was incredibly proud of him and the man he had become. He couldn’t wait for his weekly grocery deliveries. They would chat on the phone at least four times a day - mostly just because Dick wanted to make sure Mason had heard the latest baseball news or the newest political update. Mason’s fondest memories are of the two of them playing baseball, fishing, and trekking through the Badlands, looking for fossils and geological treasures.

“Papa Dick” loved his granddaughters so much. He was incredibly proud of them and appreciated the regular phone calls he had with both. He even passed on his love of fossils and geological treasures to both girls. Papa Dick was thankful for Makena’s “mail runs” and couldn’t wait for Madison’s “crock pot chicken” every week. They could forget everything else, as long as they had Madison’s chicken!

Brother Charlie recalls his big brother developing a curiosity about rock collecting, something that nurtured his interest in geology. Charlie remembers going on a road trip with him to Michigan to purchase a rock cutter/polisher that Dick was so proud to own. Charlie also spoke of a time when he lived with Dick after his tour of duty in the Vietnam War and discovered they shared a love of ’70s classic rock.

We could write pages about Dick, as he was a man of many talents, had many interests, and loved fully. If you knew him, you knew that he was most proud of his service in the Army, Mason, and Makena and Madison.

While there will not be a local service, please take a moment to share a memory or story in the online guestbook to be shared with his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local VA office in Dick’s name.

At ease, Soldier. May you rest in peace.