Richard Arthur Vendrely

Richard A. Vendrely passed peacefully on March 29, 2026 after extended health challenges. Richard was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on February 16, 1941. He grew up in Laotto and Swan, Indiana graduating from Avilla High School in 1959. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served honorably until his discharge in 1963. During his service, he was stationed overseas in Greenland and Africa. He married Sharon Lee Wolf on June 10, 1961. They were married for 60 years until Sharon’s passing on February 2, 2022. He retired from the Indiana Air National Guard in 1979 and from Phillips Consumer Electronics in 2003. During his lifetime, he enjoyed bowling, playing golf & softball, and was an enthusiastic fan of auto racing.

He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart – Sharon. He is survived by his two daughters, Mary Jane Dalke (Jeff) of Billings, MT and Tish Strickler (Jeff) of Cary, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren who were the joy of his life: Kyle Dalke (Amy), Kayla Allen (Nate) all of Billings, MT, Alex Strickler of Cary, NC and Abby Strickler of Mount Pleasant, SC. He was blessed by 5 great grandchildren: Evin, Ean, Travis, Reagan, and Madyson all of Billings, MT. He also has three surviving siblings: Tom Vendrely, Larry Vendrely (Susie), Carma Crist (Max) and several nieces and nephews.

A service of internment will be held at a later time in Indiana.

Memorial donations can be made to UNC Hospice Inpatient Facility Fund (fund 345729) at https://unchealthfoundation.org.

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