Richard Malinaric

Our Dad was a great man and we are eternally grateful to God for giving us such a wonderful and gentle man to raise, teach, and love us for so many years!

Richard Malinaric, 89, went home to be with his Savior on April 30, 2026. He was healthy until the end and died suddenly Thursday evening. He joined his beloved wife, Betty (Meyer), who he missed every moment of every day since her passing 15 months ago.

Born in Pittsburgh PA, Richard was the second son of Nicholas and Marie (Surman) Malinaric. He grew up in Pittsburgh, where he met Betty. They raised 5 children together: Pam (Mike), Dan (Miriam), Laura (Roger), Tom (Mary) and Amy (Mike). They loved and delighted in twelve grandchildren: Chrissie (Mark), Scott (Katie), Matt (Meg), Jonathan (Chelsea), David (Amanda), Jamie (Corey), Thomas (Kaitlyn), Joshua, Jen (Tim), Noelle (Alberto), Megan (Carlin), and Nick (Alisa). They welcomed 21 great grandchildren: Ethan, Carson, Chloe, Jack, Eve, Elle, Isla, Elijah, Logan, Wyatt, Levi, Jackson, Gabriel, Blake, Julianne, Brooklyn, Quinn, Naomi, Amelia, Kieran, and Hallie. And great grandbaby number 22 due fall 2026.

You couldn't tell the story of Richard Malinaric without Betty. They were the dearest couple for 65 years and 208 days. They loved each other so completely and had the loveliest marriage. Then five children in five years. So by the time the oldest was in kindergarten, there were three little ones right under her and a newborn.

A graduate of Pitt, he worked as an accountant in the construction materials field, retiring from Heidelberg Cement in 2001. He began his second career after retirement, reporting in to the "office" at Highland Park Golf Course in Mason City, Iowa every morning for many years. He was an avid golfer who shot his age several times. He continued golfing until his last round about 10 days before his passing.

Rich was a community volunteer for many years. When the children were young, as coach or umpire, and Sunday School teacher. He frequently served at the Community Kitchen in Mason City. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Mason City Iowa for many years. A 5 time Paul Harris Fellow award honoree, one of the Rotary club's highest honors, he was recognized as an individual who made significant contributions to humanitarian and educational programs. It honors those who practice service over self.

He loved driving and he and Betty travelled extensively throughout all 50 states by car. They frequently visited friends and family as well as many natural wonders and national parks.

Even at early age, his mother wrote about him, "just about the sweetest and most lovable child" and throughout his life, people who met him thought the same thing. He was the best example of kindness, gentleness, humor and faithfulness. He's a man who never let you down. He frequently and fervently prayed for God's blessing over his family.

Preceded in death by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and 2 siblings, Paul and Mary Jean, he is survived by his brother David, his children, grandchildren and great children, many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. For to know him was to love him. He was the dearest of men.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local Rotary Club.