William (Bill) Joseph Rischard, a long-time resident of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the age of 89.
Bill was born on July 8, 1933, in Okarche, Oklahoma and moved to Oklahoma City, where he attended Capitol Hill High School. In 1950, Bill joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Oklahoma City and worked as a Machinist at Tinker Air Force Base.
During this time, he met his wife of nearly 64 years, Kay Francis Cross. Bill and Kay married on April 4, 1959.
Bill earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Central State University in 1964. Bill moved his family to Yukon, Oklahoma, where they were faithful members of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. He had a long career as a computer programmer and computer systems analyst at Federal Aviation Administration, retiring in 1989.
Bill was a skilled craftsman, builder and gardener. Most of all, Bill was a nurturing husband and father, who loved spending time with wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He delighted in attending ballgames and school events for three generations. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the loves of his life. Bill’s guidance, patience and love has influenced three generations and his memory will continue to shape generations to come.
Bill is survived by his wife Kay; his four children, Mark Rischard and wife Kim, Mike Rischard and wife Megan, Debi Reddick, Pam Charvat and husband John; his grandchildren, Rikki Reddick, Nikki Kennedy and husband Chris, Rachel Truong and husband Dzung, Bailey Holly and husband Brett, Emily Reynolds and husband Tyler, Conner Rischard, Carly Rischard, Jacob Charvat, Ryan Sparkman and Evan Sparkman and wife Rachel; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Kennedy, Charlie Kay Kennedy, Avery Sparkman, Asa Truong, Henry Sparkman, Anders Holly, Reese Truong and Ruth Reynolds; and sisters, Catherine Hester, Mary Piper and Agnes Rischard.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Lena Rischard; his brothers, Albert Rischard and Joseph Rischard; his sisters, Helen Rischard and Eleanor Nokes; and infant sisters, Elizabeth and Philomena.
Viewing is available starting at noon on March 29 with a Wake service at 6 p.m. at Yanda & Son Funeral Home with a Rosary service following. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 30, at 1 p.m. at St. John Nepomuk Church in Yukon, Oklahoma, with interment following at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, Oklahoma.
