Richard "Dick" L. Vaughn

Richard “Dick” Vaughn of Waukesha, WI passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 87 years old. Dick was born in Ladysmith, WI and the son of Earl and Marie Vaughn. Dick lived a full and remarkable life – and did it on his terms. His life can be characterized by his profound love for his wife Karen, love for his work, great generosity, and living life to the fullest.

Growing up on a farm, Dick learned what hard work and dedication meant. Dick founded KDV Label in 1974, alongside his wife Karen, establishing a business that became a pillar in the Waukesha Community. Through hard work and dedication, often putting in long hours, Dick nurtured KDV Label into a second family where many employees regarded him as a father figure. His workplace moto was deeply rooted in integrity and driven by his simple moto “Communicate – Follow Up – Follow Through”. He had a strong belief in the importance of teamwork encouraging employees not to use the word “I” – and only use the word “we” to ensure everyone was equal.

Outside of his long days of dedicated hard-work; Dick cherished time spent in leisure activities where he enjoyed playing softball, golfing, snowmobiling and hunting. He had a particular passion and love for his horses. Following retirement, Dick devoted much of his time to caring for his horses, spreading manure, cutting grass, and doing anything outdoors. Karen was always by his side helping him care for the property. Nothing brought him more joy than watching others ride horses.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard-work and community spirit and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor and many friendships he made over the years.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 54 years, Karen (nee Seidel); his children, Lisa (Harley) Williams, Penny (Scott) Yauch, John (Mary Ellen) Gillin and Shane (Kelly) Vaughn; his six grandchildren, Claire Garcia, Ashley Vaughn, Parker Yarnisch, Taylor Vaughn Bodart, Breanna Vaughn Griffiths and Rylee Vaughn; and great-grandchildren, Ciarra, Andrew, Anthony, Isaiah, Nicholas, Kai, Evie, Jayce and Easton. He is also loved and remembered by his siblings, Lonnie Vaughn and Lynn Kendall; sister-in-law Annette Vaughn, nieces, nephews, his beloved KDV Family, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard “Rick” E. Vaughn, brother Robert Vaughn, sister-in-law Fran Vaughn and brother-in-law Greg Madlon.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2016 Center Rd., Waukesha, WI 53189 from 11:00AM until the memorial service begins at 1:00PM. A continued celebration of Dick’s life will follow at KDV Label, 437 W. Newhall Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186 beginning at 2:30PM. Private interment will be at Prairie Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name would be greatly appreciated to the Food Pantry of Waukesha County (1301 Sentry Dr., Waukesha, WI 53186) or to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (address above).