Richard F. Yudzentis

Richard Frank Yudzentis (“Yug”), 83, of Joliet, Illinois passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at Lightways Hospice. Richard was born on March 29, 1942 in Joliet, Illinois. He was the son of Richard P. Yudzentis and Lena Yudzentis (née Marino). Richard served in the United States Navy. He was a proud member of the International Association of Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ for 58 years, serving as the president of Local 11 for several years. He worked as a cement mason for 36 years. Yug, as he was known by friends and family, served on the board for the Joliet Area Hospice (currently Lightways Hospice). He was an active volunteer at Goltz park from 1982 until 1992, coaching a pony league team and serving as the president of the league. Yug was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He also enjoyed many, many rounds of golf with his friends at the Joliet Park District golf courses. Richard was a caring and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy (née Whitaker), son, Frank (Jayne) Yudzentis, son-in-law Kris (Renee) Poppe, grandchildren Krista (Ben) Poppe, Maeley (Angie) Poppe, Sydney (Joe) Steinke, and Daniel Poppe. He was survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Teresa Grotto and Phyllis Tacchia, and daughter Renee (Kris) Poppe. Memorial visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A service will be held at Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31 at 11:00 am, with interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd, Elwood, Illinois at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or at https://lightways.org/ For information call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.chsfuneral.com.