Richard A. “Dick” Zulch, 88, of Clawson, Michigan and formerly of Edon, Ohio passed away early Tuesday morning in Clawson, Michigan at his son’s home.
He was born on April 16, 1925 in Montpelier to Albert and Lydia Fern (Gunyan) Zulch. Dick graduated from Edon High School in 1943. He proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. He then earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Toledo in 1950, where he also played football for the Rockets. And then he earned his Masters degree from Western Michigan University.
Dick was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Royal Oak, Michigan. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #167, in Clawson, Michigan.
Dick retired as a High School Math teacher from Kimball High School in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1985. Though Dick was never on a cross country or track team himself; he left an outstanding legacy as a Cross Country and Track coach, while at Kimball High School. He coached track for 15 years from 1961-1975, with a record of 96-43-1.He was the cross country coach from 1962-1980, with a record of 133-19-2. His cross country teams won 3 Oakland County Championships, 9 league titles, 8 regional titles, 2 state runner up teams and 2 state championship teams. Because of his efforts he was named Best Coach in the Mid-West and was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame.
He is survived by three sons, Gregory A. Zulch of Clawson, Michigan, William (Becca) Zulch of Port Huron, Michigan, and Thomas (Julie) Zulch of Clawson, Michigan; one daughter Catherine Zonzius of San Diego, California; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marjorie Webb.
Donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com
