Charles R. Kudela

Charles R. Kudela, 77 of Vermilion, died on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at New Life Hospice of St. Joseph, following a lengthy illness. He was born on May 10, 1930 in Lakewood, and had lived most of his life in Vermilion. Following his service in the United States Navy SeaBees, he had worked as an indepenent contractor for 20 years, then driving for Jefferson Trucking in Lorain for 22 years until retiring. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion where he served as an altar server. He was a life member of Amvets Post 22 in Vermilion and had also helped at the Encore Shoppe in Vermilion. He enjoyed bowling, golf and work on the farm. He had also traveled to all 50 states and most recently took and Alaskan cruise for his 50th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Jean (nee Cox) Kudela; sons, Michael of Vermilion and Daniel of Eauclaire, Wisconsin; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom, Phill and Julius Kudela, all of Vermilion. He was preceded-in-death by his parents, Charles S. and Mary (nee Podracky) Kudela, and a brother, Andy. Friends may call at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, on Friday, March 7, 2007 from 10:00 am until the time of a 12:00 pm Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion. Fr. Jim Holmer, pastor, will be the celebrant. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. Military honors will be provided at the funeral home at 11:15 am by members of the Vermilion Veteran's Council.