Rick Mellinger, 63, of Burlington, died Saturday, September 17, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.
Born December 31, 1958, in Burlington, he was the son of Richard F. and JoAnn McQueen Mellinger. On March 10, 1984, he married Laura Schroeder in Burlington.
Rick was a Burlington High School graduate and later graduated from Northeast Missouri State with his teaching degree.
He worked as an operations manager for most of his career at Walmart Distribution Center in Mount Pleasant.
Rick was a member of Harmony Bible Church, Burlington Campus. He spent a lot of his time on ministry projects through First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he was a member. Rick was a natural leader, always volunteering and helping with food donations or assisting with fundraising for various projects. One of his memorable ministry projects was traveling to Nicaragua to build wells for the tribes. He was also the Southeast Iowa Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child, and he enjoyed the opportunity he had to personally deliver the boxes to Uganda. Rick loved coaching his children's sports including baseball, softball, soccer, and wrestling. He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, golfing, playing slow pitch softball, and fantasy football. He especially enjoyed Christmas shopping for his grandkids and spending time with his family.
Survivors include wife of 38 years, Laura Mellinger of Burlington; son, Joel Mellinger of Burlington; two daughters, Emily (Brandon) Diewold of West Burlington and Olivia Mellinger of Burlington; grandchildren, Gabriel Mellinger, Phoenix Mellinger, Quinten Clegg, Elise Clegg, Sequoia Bowling; sister, Becky (Jim) Koehler of Burlington; two brothers, Steve (Lenora) Mellinger of Brunswick, Ga. and Robin (Lou Ann) Mellinger of Hills; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Neil Schroeder.
Visitation will be from noon until 7 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mr. Mellinger will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 22, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A time of food and fellowship will be held at the church following a processional drive around town. Private family burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like for those attending the service to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to continue Rick's legacy.