Obituary of Dick Wudrich
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dick Wudrich, who was born in Saskatoon on September 29th 1949. Dick was the youngest of three children, born to Gottlieb and Ethel Wudrich of Aberdeen, Saskatchewan.
At the early age of 14, Dick left home to work for various neighbors and family farmers. It was during these formative years that he developed a strong work ethic and a fearless attitude toward trying new things -traits that defined him throughout his life.
In 1968, Dick married Maureen Loberg. Together they built a family of 3 daughters, Jackie (1969), Valerie (1972) and Tanya (1975). Dicks professional journey took him across Canada and the United States, with much of his work-life spent away from home on the pipeline on road construction and long haul trucking. During his trucking years, Dick moved his family from Alberta to Yorkton, Saskatchewan, where he co-founded Yellowhead Transport. Even after the business was sold, trucks remained a part of his life. Dick transitioned into sales at International, where he thrived, forming strong friendships and achieving great success. But Dick always dreamed of owning land and returning to farm life. In 1987, he made that dream a reality by moving to the Jedburgh/Parkerview area where he began building his new farming operation from the ground up. It was during these years that his son Tyson (1988) was born.
Never one to keep all of his eggs in one basket, Dick operated a meat processing, plant, helped neighbors and repaired machinery -rarely slowing down. That lifestyle changed dramatically in 2004, when the cattle industry was devastated by BSE.
True to form Dick adapted. With determination, he founded Wudrich Excavating, building roads, laying culverts, clearing land and sharing his knowledge with Tyson and Garrett. He enjoyed every part of it - especially acting as the company P.R. spokesperson and occasionally navigating the politics of rural municipalities.
Bonnie first met Dick in the early 2000s through Tanya, and started dating in 2008. In 2010, Dick married Bonnie. The two were inseparable, often working side by side. Bonnie frequently joined him on job sites, eager to learn how to run the heavy equipment and Dick was always happy to teach her.
In more recent years, Dick began to embrace retirement. Though he took things at a slower pace, he was never idle, fishing, visiting, storytelling and making new friends at his favorite place, Pelican Landing.
In 2022, his family grew once more, when Ben and Dick were united. Though their time together was short, it was filled with love and laughter.
Dick is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, his children, Jackie (Dave), Valerie (Rob), Tanya (Matt), Tyson (Ashley), and Ben (Cora), as well as Bonnie’s children, Kaelene and Brendon. He was a proud grandfather to Sarah (Kyle), Mitch (Rianne), Brody (Rachel), Brenna, Danica, Blake, Trey, Isaiah (Rae Lee), Micah, Tailynn, Justus, Kashus, Suri, Eli, and Gunnar. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Nixon, Bennett, Porter, and Hudson Sister Chella Jenkins and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and an abundance of friends.
Dick will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, generous heart, quick wit and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His legacy lives on through the lives he’s touched and the family he loves so deeply.
A Celebration of Dick's Life was held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. Words of remembrance was shared by Lyle Walsh and his daughters Jackie and Tanya. The interment followed in the Trintiy Complex, Garden of Memories, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Brody Wudrich, Trey Tuplin and Mitch Datema serving as urn bearers.
Memorial donations may be made to a Charity of One's Choice as gifts of remembrance.
