Richard Kaatz, 84, of Upland, California, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. Born on August 22, 1940, in Los Angeles, CA, Richard lived a life marked by strength, mentorship, and deep love for his family, and was always there for them when needed. He was an avid golfer and loved to attend his children and grandchildren's many sporting events.
As his kids and grandkids got older, he loved to get out on the golf course with them as well. He loved traveling, going to the river, setting up the RV at Huntington Beach or hitting the Sierras to fish with his brothers-in-law.
Richard started work at Kaiser Steel as a print runner and made his way up to Project Manager. Richard worked there from the age of 22 until they closed in November of 1981, when he took an early retirement.
Ameron Steel came knocking, and he went to work there until he officially retired in 2011. After retirement, he spent even more time with family and friends, traveling all over and hitting the golf course with friends sometimes twice a week.
Richard is survived by his 3 children: Michael Kaatz, Rancho Cucamonga, Suzy Kaatz Liles, Corona Del Mar, and Chris Kaatz, North Fontana. He is also survived by his three sisters: Sandi Nonemaker, Janet (Chickie) Adler and her husband Allen, and Bonnie Fox and her husband Rick. Richard has 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren whom he loved more than anything: Blake Liles and his wife JoJo, kids Mel and Little Blake, Brittany Renick and her husband Ryan and son Rowan, Blair Liles and his best buddy Seth Kaatz. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Dylan Shults, in 2012. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.
Richard will be laid to rest July 21, 2025 at Rose Hills Memorial Park.