Richard Edwin Pretzlaff

February 29, 1932 – September 25, 2026

Dr. Richard "Dick" Edwin Pretzlaff, a decorated Korean War veteran, lifelong educator, and passionate learner, died on September 25, 2026, in Pleasanton, California, at the age of 94. Born on Leap Day in 1932, a birthdate as unique as the man himself, he always celebrated his birthdays on March 1st.

Richard was born to the Rev. Theodore and Esther Pretzlaff, the second oldest of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Paul, Carol, and Elaine.

A 1950 graduate of Detroit Eastern High School, where he earned many academic honors and served as Editor in Chief of the school newspaper, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in active combat during the Korean War for two years and was awarded several medals for his bravery. After returning home, he joined the Army Reserves as an Intelligence Officer. He remained in Army Intelligence until his retirement in 1983 as a Major and Commanding Officer of his Intelligence Unit.

Richard earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in History Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, and in 1969 he earned his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.). He began his career as a teacher in the Dearborn 8 School District in Michigan, then served as principal of two elementary schools in Taylor, Michigan, and as State and Federal Projects Director for the Taylor Schools. He later became Associate Superintendent of Financial Services in Dearborn, and for a period served as Acting Superintendent. Along the way he pursued additional ventures, including co-owning the Modern Institute for English and Mathematics and teaching at the college level as an Assistant Professor at Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Detroit College of Business, and Henry Ford Community College. He retired from public school administration in 1994.

In December 1960, Richard married his beloved Shirley. They shared 62 years of marriage until her death in December 2022. Together they raised three children: Dr. Ronda (Mike) Diegel, Dr. Robert (Diana) Pretzlaff, and Renee (Dale) Asher. He was a proud grandfather to Evan (Emily) Pretzlaff, Sophie Jorgensen, and Max Jorgensen.

Dick and Shirley were avid travelers, and retirement gave them even more freedom to explore. Eventually they visited every continent except Antarctica. In 2003, they left Michigan for Lincoln, California, to be closer to their children Robert and Renee and grandson Evan, and to enjoy a warmer, gentler climate.

Dick remained a passionate learner right up to the end. He loved history, geography, and the study of political systems, and he read news magazines voraciously, with The Atlantic his favorite. His children remember him as a kind, compassionate, brilliant man who loved telling stories, sharing information, promoting social justice, discussing politics, and standing up for those in need. They are grateful that he and their mother gave them the gifts of living life to the fullest and caring for others.

A small private family funeral will be held. Memorial donations may be made to any organization supporting the causes to which Dick devoted his life: military veterans or the education of children in need.