Robert Leroy “Bud” Yauger, 81, joined his beloved wife Kayoko “Mitchie” on Monday morning at 1:15 a.m., June 29, 2015.

Robert was born on April 16, 1934, in Lansing, Minnesota, to Allen Leroy “Roy” and Clara “Irene” (Stephenson) Yauger. Robert was a graduate of Austin Central High and on Aug. 26, 1953, Robert joined the United States Air Force where he served honorably for 20 years before retiring in 1973. While stationed at Fuchu Air Station on Honshu Island, Japan, he met and married his beloved wife Kayoko Nakagawa on Dec. 10, 1957, at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. They later shared a ceremony with friends and family on March 2, 1958. Robert and Kayoko settled in Austin, Minnesota, in 1967, where they made their home and reared their family until Kayoko preceded him in death on Aug. 4, 1990.

Robert is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Larry and Regina Yauger of Skiatook, Oklahoma; daughters and sons-in-law: Denise Yauger of Adams, Minnesota, Janet and Mark Austin of Austin, Minnesota, and Reen Alves (Christopher Jarvis) of Alden, Minnesota; grandchildren: Tashma Teepell, Aaron (Jessica) Mealy, Timothy Alves, Michael Yauger, Christina Alves (Robert Andrews), Mitchell Mealy, Sarah Yauger, Luis Yauger, Tristan Loveless, Eric Yauger, Claire Austin and Kaitlyn Loveless; great-grandchildren: Mason and LilyKaye Mealy, Robert Andrews Jr.; sister Merna Staupe of Austin, Minnesota; niece Jody Berglund; and nephews: Steven Berglund and Roger Staupe.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Jeffrey Forbes officiating. Friends may call on the family at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and also on Friday for one hour before the service. Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.