Richard Joseph Gaudrault

Richard Joseph Gaudrault of Battle Creek, MI and Lakeland, FL




Richard, age 85, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, MI, surrounded by his loving family.


Richard, the son of Joseph L. and Josephine (Lasnoski) Gaudrault, was born in Escanaba, MI on November 12, 1929; was a graduate of Bark River-Harris High School of Harris, MI; was a 1959 graduate of Michigan State University with his Bachelor of Accounting Degree and moved to this area in 1959. He served his country honorably and nobly during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Richard was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base with the 27th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He was employed at Federal Life & Casualty before he bought into Smith-Lindroth Insurance Agency as a partner in 1967; sold the business to Burnham Insurance Agency in 1990 and finally retiring in 1992. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church; a Eucharistic Minister and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Richard was a member of the Oscar Brady American Legion Post # 298 and its former Finance Officer; of Burnham Brook; of Battle Creek Shuffleboard club; former member of the National Association of Accountants and former member of the left-handed bowling team at area Battle Creek Bowling Lanes. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, but his passion in life was his family and friends!


Richard was united in marriage to the "Love of his Life," Rosalie (nee: Spink) in Rome, NY on April 24, 1954. Surviving is his wife of 61+ years, Rosalie; three daughters, Cheryl J. (Tom) Blanke of Lakeland, FL, Lynn M. Crawford and Mary Jo Gaudrault, both of Battle Creek; three sons, Richard J. "Rick" (Carrie) Gaudrault, II of Sunrise, FL, Paul F. (Jill) Gaudrault of Charleston, SC and Jeffrey A. Gaudrault of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren and a brother, Francis R. Gaudrault of Bark River, MI. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.


Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 61 North 23rd Street, Battle Creek, with Father Christopher J. Derda, Celebrant. Richard's family will greet friends on Friday, November 6th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI on Monday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. with the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, military honors. Memorial contributions in Richard's honor may be directed to the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation, 63 North 24th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or a charity of one's choice.