Richard W. Mallwitz's Obituary
Richard (Coach Mal) Mallwitz (81) of Smiths Creek, died peacefully in McLaren Port Huron on Thursday, November 30, 2023 after a brief illness.
He was born to Willard and Isabel (Hawker) Mallwitz on February 11, 1942. He married Janet Pauly in St. Clair, MI on June 30, 1967. They were married almost 48 years before her death in 2015. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1960 and lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. He graduated from Oakland University with his degree in education and earned his specialist degree at Wayne State. He began his teaching career at St. Clair High School in 1966 and retired in 2004. Coach Mal enjoyed decades coaching Varsity Baseball, Jr. Varsity football, Freshmen football, and assisting with Varsity softball.
He is survived by his special, every day person, Linda Massacar; his three children, Melisa (Aaron) Trobaugh, Mindy (Ron) Anspaugh, and son Zane; grandchildren, Autumn Mallwitz, Trent, Harper, and Grant Trobaugh and Austin (Anna Ritchey) Anspaugh: great grandchild Raelynn Nolan and Phineus Ritchey. His brother Ken (Bev) Mallwitz, and his children Scott (Karn) Mallwitz, Kathy (Jeff) Riedel, Ken (Jeremy Lowe) Mallwitz, Jodi (Ralph) French, April (Ryan) Fitz, Step-brother Jim Ralston; brother-in-law Bob (Pat Ball) and his children Ryan (Leah) Pauly, Sara (Kent) Waugh, and Laura (Angelo) Sanchez; brother-in-law Herb (Donna) Pauly and her son Doug Welch; brother-in-law Gerald Pauly and his children Michael (Michaela) Pauly, Brandy (Bobbi Williams) Pauly, and Nicole (Darrell) Standberry; brother-in-law Dennis Justice; great-nieces and nephews, cousins and close cousins; Larry Hall, Doc (Ruth) Hall, Nancy Withy, and Jerry (Joyce) Mallwitz; close friends; Glen (Karen) Stone, Nancy Roehl, Bill Pelcher, Jason Youngblood, Mike Sylvestre, John Mills, Dave Houck, Dallas Berry, Scott Wagar, Jack Quinlan, Tom Kasperski and his Coffee Klatch, neighbors, teaching and coaching colleagues, his Cross Current family.
He was preceded by Sister-in-laws Sheila Pauly, Liane Pauly and Sue LaRowe, friends; Paul Jackson, Dick Roehl, Butch Simmons, Bob “Smitty” Smith, Fishing buddy “Captain” Ernie Lamansky and coaching side-kick Denny White.
Coach Mal thoroughly enjoyed his many years of teaching. He and Jan hosted many staff parties and bonfires with his colleagues. He was invigorated by his students and his athletes. He cared for and loved each and every one of them. He found joy in their successes in and out of the classroom, on or off the field. He and Jan made it a point to go to every student’s graduation party, shower, wedding or reunion they were invited to attend. He embraced the SCHS community and was there for so many events. Coach Mal would sell tickets to basketball games, go to wrestling matches, attend plays, and chaperone dances. He attended every SCHS graduation while teaching and many after he retired. SCHS Class of 1970 held a special place in his heart and he always attended their class reunions.
It is impossible to overstate how much love Rich gave to his corner of the world. To him, LOVE is an action verb. It was shown in his daily life by being a son/brother/father/friend/neighbor who would say “Yes” to helping- whatever was needed. He was never too busy. He was a man of deep devotion to his family, friends, and his faith. His children grew up knowing he was always there for them. He showed up to support them in their endeavors and did the same for his grandchildren. He was always smiling and embraced a joyful outlook no matter the circumstances. Rich was a coach, mentor, father figure, and role model to so many people. That was his purpose and he fulfilled it. He was filled with so much love and it was expansive. Rich had dozens of close friends because there was always room for another. Rich embodied 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.
Melisa, Mindy and Zane would like to publicly thank Linda for being Dad’s every day special person. We will forever be grateful that you are in our lives and for the wonderful example of love that you and Dad demonstrated. He knew he was fortunate to have you and Mom. The family would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the friends and family who prayed for him, sent him cards, and well wishes. We are especially grateful to those of you who went to visit Rich in Pontiac and Fort Gratiot. He was showered with so much love and affection. Every visit was a gift to him. We would also like to thank his wonderful and compassionate caregivers at Regency on the Lake and McLaren Port Huron.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be directed to Servant Ministries, Kids in Distress, or the organization of your choosing.
Cremation arrangements have taken place. A memorial service will take place Thursday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, December 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. and Thursday, December 7th from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. Michelle Brown will be officiating the memorial. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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