Lud “Skip” Yards, 87, of Valparaiso, formerly of Merrillville and Gary, passed away on June 2, 2025. He was born on April 3, 1938, in Gary, to the late Ludwig and Mary (Molik) Yards. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Valparaiso. Skip was an avid car buff, attending numerous car shows with his 1957 Bel Air and 1964 GTO. He was also an accomplished ATA shooter for over 55 years. He worked for 52 years as a structural steel detailer.
Skip was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Carol (Joseforsky) Yards; and his sister, Arlene Vician. He is survived by his sons, Lud “Skip” Jr. of Valparaiso, and Kenneth (Josie) of Lake Nacimiento, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a vigil service at 4:00 p.m., officiated by Fr. Mick Kopil. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 509 W. Division Rd., Valparaiso, with Fr. Dominic Bertino officiating. Cremation will follow and a private burial will be held at a later date at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Valparaiso.
