At age 82, Bill passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 14, 2012. Born in Chehalis, WA on Feb. 8, 1930, he moved to Tacoma and graduated from Lincoln High School. Working his way through college, Bill earned a BA from University of Puget Sound, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
After serving in the US Army, he married Elaine Tufte on Sept. 20, 1958. They raised three children in University Place, WA, while operating Hudak's Jiffy Market, working for Safeway and then Century 21 as a realtor. In his spare time, Bill could be found fishing, hunting or camping (camping was done rain or shine, usually rain! It gave us character and toughened us up!).
Bill's zest for life, strong will and Czech heritage kept him going after suffering a major heart attack in 1982. As an active member of the Tacoma Poggie Club, Bill participated in fishing derbies and caught his fair share of salmon in the Puget Sound. He was also very involved with his church in every capacity. Most recently, he was an usher and led a men's bible study.
In their retirement years, Bill and Elaine enjoyed spending time in Mazatlan where they enjoyed the sun, but were also involved in mission work with the local churches that supported orphanages. Bill loved his friends and family, his card playing buddies and a good seafood dinner.
Bill was preceded in death by Elaine, his lovely wife of 52 years, his mother and father, Martha and Charles Hudak, brother, Robert Hudak and sisters, Betty Mitchell and Doris Evans.
He is survived by his son, Doug Hudak (Nancy) and daughters, Jean Cunningham (Scott) and Gail Jepson (Gary) and grandchildren, Kelly, Shannon and Brett Cunningham and Kortney and Conner Hudak.
Our gratitude to MultiCare Hospice and CHF Clinic and the Cardiac Study Center. Contributions can be made to Mount Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church or to the American Heart Association.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 1:30pm at Mount Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church at 8902 40th St. W. in University Place, WA.
