Richard Farrel Mellinger

Richard Mellinger, 90, of Burlington, died at 9:45 AM Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Heritage Nursing and Rehab in Cedar Rapids.

Born October 3, 1931, in Burlington, he was the son of Fred William and Sophia Elizabeth Stoller Mellinger. He graduated from Burlington Community High School in 1949.  On May 29, 1955, he married JoAnn McQueen in Burlington. JoAnn died November 12, 2005. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together.

Richard served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean war.

His first job was at Sweetheart Bakery in Burlington. Richard later became a life insurance salesman and financial planner for Minnesota Mutual/Minnesota Life.

He was a member of First Christian Church, American Legion, and a volunteer with the Senior Citizen Group. Richard was very involved with the Burlington Community School District. He was the first president of the Burlington High School Athletic Booster Club and loved announcing for football, wrestling, track, softball, and occasionally baseball. Richard was very proud to have the BHS wrestling tournament named after him. When he wasn't volunteering, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and caring for her, fishing, attending the Drake Relays, and watching the Hawkeyes, Bears, and the Cubs. He loved watching the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Survivors include his four children, Becky (Jim) Koehler of Burlington, Robin (Lou Ann) Mellinger of Hills, Rick (Laura) Mellinger of Burlington, Steve (Lenora) Mellinger of Brunswick, GA; twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Loretta (Bill) Dixon of The Villages, FL, and Marjorie (Jim) Roth of Waukee.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill Mellinger.

Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, November 22, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Mr. Mellinger will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Reverend David J. Yonker and Reverend Brooke Anthony officiating.  Burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.  A time of food and fellowship will be held at First Christian Church following the burial.

A memorial has been established for Burlington High School Wrestling.

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