Richard K. Bruechert

Richard K. Bruechert was born in Los Angeles on October 16, 1936, to Reuel R. R. Bruechert and Edna M. (Smith) Bruechert. On August 9, 2024, he passed on to his heavenly home, surrounded by his family at his home in Napa, CA. Dick will be remembered for his kindness, infectious smile, quick humor, and respect for others.

Richard’s family moved to North Hollywood when he was a toddler, and his father was employed as a postal inspector at the North Hollywood branch. His family attended St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in North Hollywood, where he met his future wife when they were both in elementary school. Dick, as he was known by many, graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1954 and Los Angeles Valley Junior College in 1957. He then transferred to the University of California at Berkeley and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1959. He was a proud supporter of Cal Berkeley for many years and enjoyed cheering for the Cal Bears basketball and football teams.

Dick trained with the Army Reserves after graduating from college and went on to serve for a
total of six years, advancing to the rank of sergeant in an MP unit.

In 1960, Dick married the love of his life, Karol Kinseth. During their first year of marriage, Karol
completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Jose State University, and Dick was
employed by private engineering firms in San Jose. After Karol graduated, they both worked for
Santa Clara County, Karol as a public health nurse, and Dick in the Public Works Department.
Since they both worked for the county, they enjoyed the same vacation schedule.

After three years with the Santa Clara County Public Works Department, where he worked on
the early designs of the Central Expressway, Dick accepted the position of Assistant City
Engineer with the City of Napa Public Works Department. What he originally thought would be
a one- to two-year position turned into a fulfilling 31-year career.

Dick’s position with the City of Napa was retitled in 1989 to better reflect the duties he had
been performing for the previous ten years. His duties included overseeing the design and
construction of all capital improvement projects in the city and providing the necessary
administration for an efficient construction process. He served as the office manager for the
Public Works Department and worked closely with other departments in the city, such as
Planning, Finance, City Clerk, City Attorney and Parks and Recreation. Along with producing
technical engineering designs and specifications, he successfully coordinated projects among
city, county, and state governments, environmental agencies and utility companies.

Dick and Karol enjoyed many hobbies together, including bridge and ballroom dancing. They
became proficient in genealogy research, and Dick was president of the Napa Genealogical
Society for 15 years. He especially enjoyed helping others research their heritage. Dick and Karol were able to travel around the U.S. and to many countries, often with stops to research
more genealogy. Dick and Karol have also been long-time members of St. John’s Lutheran
Church in Napa.

The greatest joy of Dick’s life has been his family. He and Karol loved planning family vacations
to national parks, museums, and historic monuments as their children grew up and as their
family expanded. He and Karol attended every school event that their children participated in,
as well as many sports events, concerts, and plays for their grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karol; his two children: Linda Standinger (Gregory) and
David Bruechert (Julie); and his five grandchildren: Janelle Bovenmyer (Andrew), Eric
Standinger, John Standinger, Brandon Bruechert, and Rachel Bruechert. He is also survived by
his brother, Robert D. Bruechert (Judy), as well as nephews and nieces on both sides of the
family.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, August 16, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran
Church in Napa. A private graveside service will be held at Tulocay Cemetery.

The family acknowledges with gratitude Richard’s many caregivers, especially Erlen, DeMira,
Raquel and Priscilla, as well as office personnel, Debra and Lisa. They are also thankful for the
skilled care of the doctors and nurses from Kaiser Permanente and Providence Hospice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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