Richard Barber Genske

Richard Barber Genske passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Muench Genske, daughters Jill Gaskill and Anne Jimerson, five granddaughters and seven great grandkids, as well as sister Barbara Genske. 

Richard met Mary at the Tacoma Roller Bowl skating rink and started their life together 6 months later. Together they enjoyed boating, with Richard serving as Commodore of the Fircrest Yach Club, traveling over 30 years in their Airstream as lifetime members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, riding dirt bikes, scuba diving, bowling, and playing a fierce game of pinnacle. As a licensed pilot Richard also volunteered his time flying for the Civil Air Patrol. His greatest passion was his love of music. He played the trombone over the course of 50 years, from his time in the jazz band at Lincoln High School through playing for the New Horizons Band in Tacoma, American Legion and WBCCI’s band. 

Of all his accomplishments, serving in the US Navy for 40 years made him most proud. He was an Interior Communications Chief Petty Officer, navigating two Western Pacific cruises on the USS ESSEX and USS TICONDEROGA. He was a PLANT OWNER on the USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, where he served as an instructor. He was promoted to E-6 prior to 4 years in the Navy, making him a “Slick Arm First Class”, truly a rare accomplishment. He left Active Duty to return home and run the family business but quickly reenlisted in the Navy Reserves. He joined the newly formed Mobile Technical Unit (MOTU) 622, researching and developing the first MOTU SEVEN OP’S Manuals for the Reserves. He was awarded Service medals for Korea and China, and in 1983 was named Citizen Sailor of the Year for Pierce County. 

Richard is preceded by his parents, Robert and Bernice Genske, and brother William Genske. He was an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be missed beyond words. He was an honorable man who lived a life of integrity, always putting family first and quick to lend a hand in any situation. 

The family wants to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Courtney and Anthony McDaniel, and their caregivers at Charlottes Place AFH, for the loving care they provided Richard over the past two years. We wish him Fair Winds and Following Seas, until we meet again. He will be laid to rest with full military honors during a private ceremony at Tahoma National Cemetery on November 13, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Silvercreek Community Clubhouse, 18628 Silver Creek Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98375, from 4-6 p.m.