Rüdiger Johann Flik

Rüdiger Johann Flik of Key Biscayne, FL and Francestown, NH died peacefully at the age of 85 on January 27, 2026 in Miami, due to complications of advanced multiple myeloma.

“Rudi” was born in Bad Tolz, Germany to Hansjoerg Willi and Theresia Kistler Flik in 1940. His early years were shaped by the aftermath of World War 2 during which he lost his father. He attended school only through the 8th grade and then embarked on a three-year culinary apprenticeship, peeling potatoes in the basement of Munich’s main train station. He followed with stints cooking in the kitchens of various hotels in Europe, as well as the Holland America cruiseline, where he had his first taste of the U.S.

Rudi then served compulsory military service back in Bavaria as a proud member of the Gebirgsjager (Mountain Hunters). Continuing to build his culinary craft, he next pursued hotel school in Heidelberg. His hard work, determination and ambition landed him a position with The Drake Hotel in Chicago. With $50 in his suitcase, Rudi left his brother and widowed mother to embark on his American Dream. In short order, he outgrew his post in Chicago and moved into a YMCA in San Francisco to pursue a position as room service captain at the Hilton. It is here he met the love of his life, Julie Ann Milligan. Their love affair developed rapidly and it wasn’t long before wedding bells rang at the Oak Beach Inn, which Rudi was managing on the south shore of Long Island.

In the late 1960s, Rudi worked for Howard Johnson’s and then SAGA, an emerging food service management company. His enterprising spirit soon took flight and he seized the opportunity to strike out on his own to run dining services at Manhattanville College. Together, Julie and Rudi became a force of innovation, redefining hospitality standards in quality, service, and creativity. Their unwavering commitment to excellence remains the foundation of Flik Hospitality nearly 60 years - and 43 states - later. Rudi was known for caring deeply about his employees, valuing each and every team member as integral to company success.

While growing the business, Rudi and Julie also grew a family of three children residing in Rye, NY. In his spare time, he loved playing hockey, pickup soccer, tending to his lawn and rose garden, collecting wine, and, of course, cooking. In addition, he was omnipresent on the sidelines of his children' s athletic events and theater performances. When not working in Westchester or travelling, Rudi and Julie spent weekends at their rustic summer home on Oak Island, NY.

In retirement, after selling the company to Compass Group in 1995, the Fliks enjoyed travels with family and friends, seeing exotic locals from Antarctica to Alaska and Papua New Guinea to Patagonia. Several of these adventures took place with the Young Presidents Organization, a networking group whose local chapter Rudi once led. With great delight, Rudi and Julie spent time with nine grandchildren, who called him “Opapa” and for whom he served as a model of hard work, warmth, humor, love and of course, high standards.

With a commanding, charismatic and unmistakable presence, Rudi is remembered as a force of nature. Together with Julie, his leadership style inspired great loyalty. Besides his family, his greatest pride was the ongoing successes and tenure of many original ”Flikers.”

Rudi is survived by his children: York (and Patricia Doty Flik) of Key Biscayne, FL, Kyle (and Anna Grattan Flik) of Loudonville, NY and Tiffany (and Dennis Calcutt) of Francestown, NH. , as well as by grandchildren Katarina, Kai, Anika, Thea, Eva, Max, Holland, Lukas and Liesl. He also leaves behind in Germany his big brother Joerg Flik of Karlsruhe, and many cousins, a nephew and nieces.

A Celebration of Life will take place in the near future. Donations in Rüdiger’s memory can be made to the Navigate Foundation, www.navigatefoundation.org.