Richard Menikheim

Richard "Rick" Menikheim, 71, of Linthicum, passed away on June 7, 2016 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Rick was born in Baltimore on October 4, 1944 to the late Dolores (Santmyer) and George B. Menikheim Jr. He grew up in Brooklyn Park playing sports, enjoying family times and the movies with his mom and brother. Rick graduated from Brooklyn Park High School in 1962, a proud Bee. He attended Towson University and graduated in 1966 with a double major in English and Social Studies. Recruited by Anne Arundel County, he taught social studies at Severna Park High School for 13 years, leaving as the department chairman. In 1979, he took the opportunity to become a State Farm Agent. In May of this year, he celebrated 37 years in his Millersville office. Rick's love for politics brought him to the Roland Terrace Democratic Club, where his father was president and he became the political chairman. He was the campaign manager for his good friend, Phil Jimeno, seeing him reach the State Senate. He also worked on the Election Board for Anne Arundel County.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2005. He never let the disease define him and kept an amazing positive attitude. Rick was a lifelong Orioles fan, having season tickets for many years. He enjoyed watching the Ravens and the Maryland Terps basketball games. He loved the beach, especially Ocean City, crabs and a good steak.
Rick is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie; two children, Jennifer Menikheim Petraska and her husband, Steve and Jonathan Richard Menikheim; two grandsons, Alex and Cole Petraska; brother, George B. Menikheim III and his wife Peggy. Rick is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research by visiting www.michaeljfox.org.