Richard “Dick” Berlinski

Dick was born March 4, 1947, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Andrew Sr. and Helen (Alquist) Berlinski. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1965, where he earned 16 letters in four sports. He set a U.P. football scoring record of 194 points and was a prep All-American in 1964.

Dick went on to play football at Michigan State University where he was the Big Ten’s punting leader, won a Big Ten Championship and a National Championship, and he kicked the game winning field goal in the 1968 North-South All-Star Game. He graduated from MSU in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was inducted into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.

Dick married Cindy Hulce on Jan. 20, 2003, in Kingsford. He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Norway and Pine Grove Country Club. Dick was on the Dickinson County Hospital Board for several years and served as vice chair and chairman of the board.

Dick enjoyed golfing, traveling with his family, being a volunteer football coach at Kingsford High School, and he absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was an active member of his community. He participated on the Dickinson County Hospital Board of Trustees from 2002-2018, he was the Chairman of the Board from 2008-2012 and the vice chairman from 2013-2015.

Football was always a lifelong passion of Dick’s. Dick was a licensed security advisor since 2001 and had more than four decades of financial service experience with his business, Berlinski Financial Services. Dick was fortunate enough to be able to donate to many local organizations throughout the community.

Outside of work and sports, Dick spent all his time with his wife, Cindy, and their family.

He loved watching his grandkids at all their sporting events, and if they were not there, they were surely watching a Michigan State game together. He was the biggest supporter of anyone in life, and you could always count on him to put a smile on your face.

To our Papa: Thank you so much for everything you have given us in life. We are so grateful to have you as our grandfather. Thank you for always being there to support and guide us. We will forever cherish the memories we have with you and will love you forever and always. – Dylan and Hailey.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; two sons, Ryan Erickson of Norway and Matt Erickson (Emma) of Iron Mountain; two grandchildren, Dylan Erickson and Hailey (Ethan) McColey; four brothers, Jim Berlinski (Bob Gauthier), Tom (Diane) Berlinski, Steve Berlinski, and Pat (Jennifer) Berlinski; a sister, Anne (Robert) Ethington; a sister-in-law, Sue Berlinski; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by an infant sister, Susan Berlinski; and a brother, Andy Berlinski Jr.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 13, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

A memorial service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Rev. James Danielson will officiate.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Richard “Dick” Berlinski online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.