Richard Swan Kidder

Known as Bud Kidder, our boss, our chief, our leader and Our Last Pot of Gold, left his earthly Journey on Sunday Morning, June 28, 2026. He was peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
He was born November 8, 1927 to Olga (Eskilsson) and Sylvanes Kidder. He began working at 6 years old at his family's homestead in Elkhart, called The Ranch. There were 8 children. Their home burned to the ground one evening as they rode in a wagon home from a movie theater, but they rose from the ashes, living in the barn until they could rebuild. He enlisted in the Army, and served The Armed forces at the end of World War Il. His father and grandfather and all The Kidder men served and were very proud Veterans. They honorably saluted our country with pride. When he returned from the service he went to Chicago Institute of Technology. He then became a brick mason, and built the Kidders Christiana Creek Home, from scratch where he still Lived. He worked at Action Industries, Swinger, and founded Journey Motor Homes.
He became a blessing to all who knew him, and made lifelong friends. He was The Master Gardner, with tomatoes his specialty. We all know he sprinkled those with magic! Two weeks before he left he planted 4 rows of corn and 20 more tomato plants, (that he started by seed with love on Valentines Day in his greenhouse), along with squash and cucumbers, sunflowers, and Giant Pumpkins. He taught each and every one of us The Golden Rule " DO UNTO OTHERS" He left us with a beautiful Legacy. He loved to fish, and has many great fishing tales, most of them including his BFF LEO HAGGARD.
Surviving him are his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Vickie Kidder ( Perry Germann), Tuff Kidder (Alysjane), Missy Kidder Pletcher (Brian, Lauren, Drew), Scott Kidder ( Micki, Grace, Ben and Clay).
He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all who loved him very much. Thru Facebook he remained in contact with our relatives in Sweden. He also wanted to remind us. " NEVER KID A KIDDER"
He married Irene (Dahl), June 27, 1952. She left in 2018. He joined her on their 74thanniversary. Also proceeding him were: Mother-Olga, Father-SV.
-Kidder, Brothers- Arthur, Edgar, Allen, and Donald, and Sisters Selma Olga, and Nancy.

Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 at Adamsville Cemetery. Pastor Thomas Miller will officiate.  Online condolences may be made to Bud's family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com Stemm- Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Kidder family.