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Frank Richard Zaloudek
11/27/1932 — 09/24/2012
From West, Richland, WA, USA | Born in St. Louis, MO
Frank Richard Zaloudek
Frank R. Zaloudek, PhD, died at his home in West Richland. He was born November 27, 1932 in St. Louis, MO. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, honored with memberships in Tau Beta Phi and Pi Tau Sigma honorary societies. He then attended Perdue University for graduate studies, receiving his PhD in 1958 with specialties in Thermodynamics and Hydrodynamics.
On June 22, 1957, Frank married Kathie Helbing who he met in the concert/marching band at Washington University. His work career began January, 1950 with General Electric at Hanford, in the Thermal-Hydraulics Unit. When G.E. left Hanford, he went to Battelle PNNL. Along with a wide variety of projects at Battelle, he taught graduate classes in Thermodynamics and Engineering Licensing classes. He also served on U.S. Congressional Advisory Committee for Reactor Safeguards.
Frank gave to the community by serving on the camp committee for Mid-Columbia Girl Scout Council for many years. He also became involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind, raising puppies for service, then providing a loving home for retired guide dogs.
In retirement, Frank became involved in raising show rabbits. His favorites were Flemish Giants and Belgian Hares. He served the American Belgian Hare Club as Secretary/Treasurer and as Newsletter editor for many years. He also was newsletter editor for Washington State Rabbit Breeders Association. His great joy was talking with others who loved rabbits, especially 4-H youth.
Frank's strong faith in the Lord gave meaning to his life and was nurtured at Redeemer Lutheran Church. As a member for 52 years, he served in many ways and loved providing instrumental music to praise God for the church services.
Frank is survived by wife Kathie and daughters, Betty Zaloudek-Moore Terry, Diane Zaloudek, and grandchildren Katrina Schiller and Victor Garza.
Services will be held on Friday, September 28th. Graveside, 10:00 AM, Sunset Memorial Gardens and Memorial Service, 11:00 AM, Redeemer Lutheran Church, both in Richland, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church 520 Thayer Dr., Richland, WA 99352 or to The Chaplaincy Hospice 1480 Fowler, Richland, WA 99352.
I do not know Frank, but he posted his knowledge on a machinist forum I still use to find practical corrosion advice. He talked about his expertise and knowledge of fatigue, and I, in 2024, still find his teaching wonderful and intituitive. He continues to impact those who never knew him in life. I appreciate his teachings and wanted to share.
Dear Kathie,
Your deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ comforts me. I should be comforting you. I know our Lord is
with you and with your family. He always brings us through. I always thought Frank was a very special man
and you are a very special woman of God. I think of Frank now with our Lord. We don’t grieve as though we have no hope and that comforts us, too. But all of us are sure going to miss him, especially you, your daughters and your grandchildren. We will keep on with our prayers for you and for your family, asking our dear Lord for peace and comfort for you,for His strength and joy each day and some of the nights as well. Your are in my heart and on my mind. We love you. Nancy
My memories of Frank remain vivid from the time I joined Battelle PNNL in 1974. He achieved widespread recognition for his outstanding technical capabilities and for his versatility and resourcefulness in applying them. For example, his pioneering work at the Hanford Thermal Hydraulics Lab produced data on the thermodynamic properties of pressurized water that remain applicable today for nuclear reactor design and reactor safety.
Memories of Frank’s many accomplishments at work and in the community may provide some consolation to his family and friends in this time of sorrow.
Kathie,
We are so sorry for your loss. So many years together and a lifetime of shared memories to remember. We hope to see you and the bunnies again soon.
Thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
I have in my well a pump used to irrigate my lawn which was there when I moved here in 1968. The previous owner, Jack McGuire, told me that the pump was found in a dump and was rehabilitated and installed by Frank at no charge. It has run ever since. Splendid craftsmanship.
It is this kind of behavior that everyone in this neighborhood came to expect from Frank. He was a quiet guy but he did like to brag about his daughters. He lived a fine life.
Wm. C. Wolkenhauer
Dear Kathie and family.
I just learned of Frank’s passing today. My prayers will be with you and Frank. Frank was a fine man and such a pleasure to work with…snd gratefully I had that pleasure for many years. But most importantly what a contribution he made to society, his fellow workers and his family. He will be sorely missed by all. God Bless,
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Frank Richard Zaloudek