Richard “Dick” Mlinarik was a life-long educator, mentor, sports-enthusiast, reader, husband, father and friend. He spent his career teaching and coaching first at Westwood and then Bowling Green, dedicating most of his years as Vice Principal of Bowling Green Junior High School. Dick was highly regarded by teachers as a mentor and advocate. He was respected and loved by students and families alike. Many former students are quick to attest to the important influence Dick had in their education and lives.
Dick grew up on the family farm in the small town of Amherst, Ohio. His parents were from Slovakia and his childhood was filled with ethnic foods, extended family, five older sisters and a brother, and lots of love and tradition. When Dick’s older brother went away to the Korean War, he took over much of the responsibility for the farm at just ten years-old while his Dad worked full time in the steel mills. He also found time to play basketball and enjoy life as a 50’s teen.
He was the first person in his family to attend college and went to BGSU to study education. There he made life-long friends with the gang at the Lutheran Student Center and met the love of his life, Wanda (Tietje) of Hamler, Ohio. They married in 1964 and built a home outside of Bowling Green, raising their three children in a country setting with a huge garden.
Dick loved running into former students and colleagues throughout his life. So his retirement job delivering flowers for Klotz was perfect to maintain his relationships. He could tell you the family connections and high school sports’ stats of half of the town.
He followed local sports throughout his life, especially enjoying BGSU basketball, frequently attending with his son. Dick had a strong faith and attended church his whole life.
He devoted himself to the care of his wife as her memory began to fail, first at home and then as she moved to Heritage Corner memory care. He became legendary amongst staff and residents for his daily visits and kindness and care. He greatly loved and enjoyed his three children, Kelli Marko (Jerry) of Lakewood, Colorado; Kim Mlinarik (Eric Fulgenzi) of Sandpoint, Idaho; and Brent Mlinarik of Bowling Green.
He is survived by his wife, children, older brother John Mlinarik (Millie) of Amherst, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday June 20, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. His Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 21, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Abiding Word Lutheran Church, 17202 Mercer Road Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Pastor Paul Lange will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dick Mlinarik Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o George Nagy, 16381 Van Tassel Rd, Weston, Ohio 43569. Funds will be used to help BGHS graduates pursuing education degrees.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Mlinarik family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
