Richard V. Strash, 85, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at Brookside Care Center. Born in Kenosha on April 25, 1927, he was the son of the late Victor and Sylvia (Wenchell) Strash. Richard was a lifelong resident of Kenosha and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy. On September 6, 1947, he married Judith Balcaitis at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Richard was employed with the Kenosha Library System, retiring in 1989. He also served as the pianist and music director at Northside Bible Church. He enjoyed music and was an excellent pianist performing at numerous venues over the years and even taught some of his grandchildren to carry on his skills. Richard was known for his sense of humor, often firing off one-liners, and always seemed happiest when surrounded by his family. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Judy of Kenosha; six children, Marilyn (Pat) Smith of Somers, Barbara Strash of Kenosha, Rick (Becky) Strash of Pleasant Prairie, Dan (Terry) Strash of Kenosha, Tom (Julie) Strash of Kenosha and David (Tricia) Strash of Kenosha; eighteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Strash. Richard’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Brookside Care Center for all of the kind and compassionate care they gave him. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5th, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 6009 Pershing Blvd., at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Brookside Care Center would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Richard’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com