Richard Jude Yahl

Richard Jude Yahl, born November 6, 1951, passed away surrounded by his family on February 20, 2026. He was the cherished son of Adeline and Walter Yahl and grew up in St. Louis, Mo.

Rich attended Vianney High School in St. Louis before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy for 6 years. Following his military service, he earned a degree in engineering from the University of Missouri–Rolla. He began his career as an electrical engineer at Monsanto, where he met the love of his life, Eileen O’Connell, a mechanical engineer. They were married in 1984 and shared a devoted and enduring partnership built on faith, friendship, and deep love. Rich and Eileen moved to O’Fallon, Ill. when they got married and actively participated in the community of St. Nicholas Church.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen (nee O’Connell) Yahl; his daughters, Mary Mays Yahl (Ashley Mays Yahl), Beth Yahl (Ashrae Sahni) and Anne Yahl; granddaughters Emery, Hadley, Alina and Raina; sister, Annette Kovarik; brother, Dan Yahl (Pam Yahl); and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was a proud and loving girl dad and grandfather whose greatest joy was time spent with his family. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all of his girls’ endeavors.

Rich had a lifelong love of music and was an accomplished saxophonist. In his later years, he performed locally with the O’Fallon Pluckers and the Belleville Community Band and shared his gift by teaching saxophone lessons at the O’Fallon YMCA. He found joy in many hobbies throughout his life, including woodworking, stained glass, flying miniature planes, fishing and tying his own fishing flies, swimming, biking, working on his Toyota MR2, and even running a marathon. He could be seen and heard around town driving his MR2. He also loved cooking, always making waffles or French toast for breakfast when the girls were in town, and he made the best gooey butter cake.

Rich was known for his warm spirit and easy companionship. He loved gathering over a cup of coffee, sharing stories, laughter, and thoughtful conversation. He could and did make friends with everyone and impressed all with his kind soul, gentle nature and big smile. He had a silly sense of humor and loved laughing at his own “dad jokes”. His life was marked by service, creativity, devotion to family, and a quiet generosity that touched many. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Memorial donations in memory of Rich are kindly suggested to Rock Steady Boxing (rocksteadyboxing.org) or BJC Hospice (foundationbarnesjewish.org).

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4 – 8 pm, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon, and again on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, beginning at 10 am, at the church. Yesterday’s Kids will conduct a walk-through at 10:15 am, Wednesday, at the church.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the church, with Fr. Nick Junker presiding. Burial with Navy honors will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.