Richard J. Elmlinger age 86 of Willard, Ohio passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Willows of Willard in Willard, Ohio. He was born November 9, 1938 in Havana, Ohio to the late Herman and Madeline (Thomas) Elmlinger. Rich graduated from Bellevue High School and retired from RR Donnelleys in Willard in 2000 after 38 years of service. He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the Right to Life and the American Legion. He was an Army veteran. He loved watching the Cleveland Browns, Cavs, Guardians and Ohio State. He enjoyed fishing, horseshoes, golfing, darts, bowling, gambling, traveling and most of all, spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Sharon (McClary) Elmlinger whom he married on June 3, 1967, daughter Angie (Doug) Jacobs of Plymouth and son Chris Elmlinger of Willard. He is also survived by grandchildren, Paige Elmlinger of Brooklyn, NY, Gage Wright of Shelby, Brenna Elmlinger of Willard, sister-in-law Patricia Jacobs of Plymouth and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Madeline Elmlinger, sister Roseanna (Gene) Cieslewicz, brother Bernard (Judy) Elmlinger, niece Jackie Soules and brother-in-law James Jacobs.
Rich's family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Staff and Therapy Department at the Willows at Willard, who have become part of his family by taking such great care of Rich the past 2 years.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 25 W. Perry St., Willard, Ohio 44890, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 PM with Fr. Eric Mueller celebrating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth, Ohio. Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Bob gospodarek - May 29, 2025
Sharon- My deepest sympathies to you and your family on Rich's passing
Jim Enderby - May 18, 2025
Sharo, Angie and Chris so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. He was a really good guy. Lots of good memories. Prayers to the families. God Bless.
Sherri French - May 17, 2025
Extending sympathies to all who knew and loved Rich. What a great guy! Great memories made at the Elmlinger household that stuck with me include: Horseshoes, laughter, and the absolute best damn Sauerkraut Ball on the planet! Much love to Sharon, Angie, Chris, and Gage.
Jeff and Jill Fenner - May 17, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort for you all.
Bill Howard - May 16, 2025
Sharon, Angie, and Chris; my heart is broken for you. So many great memories of Elks events and cook-outs with y'all. Praying for all of your families.
Joan Ebert - May 16, 2025
Angie and family, Such fond memories of you and your family. Always laughing and having the best time. Rich was a great dad, and a wonderful person. I will always cherish these moments. Sending you all hugs and prayers during this difficult time. Xo Joanie
Kenneth zkuhn - May 15, 2025
I was so sorry to learn of Rich's passing. I could not have had a better neighbor and friend! I will never forget the ride he gave me in the back of his truck with the cans hitting me as we drove into town!!! May he rest in peace!
Chuck Magill - May 15, 2025
Sharon: Really sorry for your loss. We had lots of good times at RRD.
Cledis Slone and Linda Slone - May 13, 2025
Another one of my heroes has left this world on gone on to the next. Say hi to the guys for me rich. Memories. Prayers for the family.
Chuck & Barb Gerber - May 12, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rich’s entire family. We did many Knights of Columbus fish fry’s, turkey and chicken dinners with him. We have lots of memories of a great friend. You have our sincere condolences
Vicki Elmlinger - May 12, 2025
So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was such a friendly and kind person. May heartful thoughts bring you comfort and loving memories bring you peace.
Andy Missler - May 12, 2025
I will continue praying for Rich, now for his soul to rest in peace with the Lord.
Ron and Cheryl Kessler - May 12, 2025
Sharon, Angie, Chris and families Sorry to hear of Rich’s passing He was a good guy. Always friendly and great to talk with. May he RIP.
Karla and Drew Taylor - May 11, 2025
So so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth Montgomery - May 10, 2025
My sympathies to all.
Jolynn Hampton - May 10, 2025
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the good lord be with you. Hugs
Janene Reiderman - May 10, 2025
Angie I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not bring you comfort, but reliving the wonderful memories you shared can. It sounds as if he impacted many lives that he came in contact with. What a great life he lived! Find comfort in those around you. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Bev Ganni - May 10, 2025
Sharon, Angie, Chris and families, My sincere condolences to all of you! What a wonderful man will be added to the angels. God bless and hold each if you to give you strength during this difficult time.
Monica - May 10, 2025
Prayers and peace so sorry.
Jim Payne - May 10, 2025
Rich was a good man. Always liked just talking to him ,on the golf course, at work or home. Condolences to the family.
Laura Lichoff James - May 10, 2025
Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he and the dearly departed rest in peace. Remembering all the trips back and forth to UT. Sitting out on the cold for Huey Lewis and the news tickets. Dinners at the Spaghetti Wearhouse or the Irish restaurant. Then there was the night my mom was making chili and my dad was just getting home from work...so he stayed and we played cards. So many more memories. I am so sorry for your loss but I'm sure my dad is showing him around. Will have a Mass said for him and you guys. Sending love from the Bayou.
Fran and Larry Smith - May 10, 2025
Sharon, Sharon, Sharon, Angie, Chris and the whole family we offer our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Working with you both and becoming friends was a true blessing. Hold close those heart warming memories knowing there are many and find comfort in everyone of them. Know too the Lord is walking this walk with you, he is your strength, your hope, and all you need to not only get through today and every day you Miss Rich. RIP Rich🙏❤️
Ken and Donna Hay - May 10, 2025
Sharon, Chris, Angie and families, we are so sorry to hear about Rich. We had some great times at horseshoe tournaments and cooking at K of C events. Rich will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
MaLinda Alsept - May 10, 2025
I cannot express how sorry I am for your loss! My time spent with Rich was definitely a journey but he would always talk about all of you and the love he had for each one of you was endless! My thoughts and prayers are with you! He will be missed!
Lynette (Schwenn) Barclay - May 10, 2025
Loved working with Rich in Case Making. He was always helpful and kind to me. A good man. So sorry for your loss.
Peggy Opatken - May 10, 2025
Paige and family. I enjoyed being on the pro life committee with Rich. I also liked seeing him at Mass. May he rest in peace..
Lenny and Mary Branham - May 10, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Richard was a great guy. Sending prayers for you all at this sad time.
Tom & Lucy Hay - May 9, 2025
Thoughts & prayers to your whole family. I just remember all the horseshoe , K of C meals. Serving mass and ushering with him. And just standing around & telling lies. Another great from Havana and Bismark gone. I'll catch up with him later
Linda Veletean - May 9, 2025
Sharon, Chris, Angie and family I am so deeply sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. Such a great man. He will definitely be missed by everyone. Prayers for all of you.
Charity ( Smith, Robinson) Johns - May 9, 2025
Sharon, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I am sending my condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones. May God be with you all in your time of grief. RIP Rich Hugs Charity
Christy Shafer - May 9, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take care of Rich at the Willows. He was a great guy and one of my favorites. I enjoyed our talks and sharing pictures and videos with him of my grandson, and he would always ask “how’s Kannon doing, what did he learn new” then he would share memories of his grandkids and children when they were little. You will be dearly missed Rich! May you R.I.P
