Richard C. "Dick" Learman

Richard C. "Dick" Learman
June 8, 1928 – January 16, 2026
On January 16, 2026, this good and faithful servant went to be with our Lord, to a place that was prepared for him by Jesus Christ. Richard was thoroughly dedicated to his family, his profession, and his community, serving as a kind and gentle leader throughout his life.
Like his father and his older brother Jack, Dick studied the law at his beloved University of Michigan and used his knowledge and experience to help his clients live within the law and make sound plans for the future of their families and businesses. He was rated an exceptional lawyer by his peers and served a term as President of the Bay County Bar Association. He was founder of the Learman, Peters, Sarow Law Firm which at one time contained ten lawyers. Richard was a Rotarian, serving as president and hosting exchange students in his home. He was a long-time member of the YMCA, serving a term on its board for many years and like his father, serving a term as president. Dick, again with his father, was intimately involved in the founding of Delta College where he came to serve as an elected Trustee, and for decades served as the college's attorney and counsel to the president. Richard also served his country as an Army Counter-Intelligence Officer after law school and during the Korean War.
Dick learned and nurtured his faith in his family and as a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church. He was a vibrant, active member: serving as an elder, and on multiple occasions serving as chairman of its Board of Trustees. He lent his voice to the church choir and before that, to the U of M Men's Glee Club. It was through the church youth group that he met the love of his life, Amy Jean Blair, whom he married and celebrated 77 wedding anniversaries with. He and Jean were devoted, loving partners all of their days, building their family and living life hand in hand. Their love is an inspiration to all who know them.
Richard's greatest love and lasting influence was his family. He was deeply loyal and dedicated to his wife, parents and brothers. With them, in the 1960s, they built three adjacent cottages on the wooded shore of Lake Huron to enjoy and recreate as a family. There he taught his three sons and eventually his grandchildren much about the sanctity of God's creation, faith, and family values, such as kindness, responsibility, service, and leadership. Even though he traveled with his family to Florida, Mexico, Arizona, and the Caribbean Islands, his favorite place was always his cottage "up North."
In addition to his beloved wife, Amy (Jean), Dick is survived by three sons, Richard B. "Rick" Learman, Randall F. "Randy" Learman (Ellen), Michael E. "Mike" Learman (Lindsay); five grandchildren Jessica B. Learman (Douglas), Whitney B. Sowle (David), Stephen P. Learman (Candace), Sydney L. Learman, and Cameron R. Learman; five great-grandchildren, Natalie B. Sowle, Ethan D. Sowle, Catilin E. Sowle, Taylor B. Learman, and Jack D. Learman; step granddaughter Katie Zolnierek (Mike), and six step great-grandchildren Jordan A. Dome, Ryan E. Wojciak (Mike), Cameryn J. Dome, W. Lauden Dome, Sophia Zolnierek, and Emma Zolnierek. Everett Wojciak (6 mos.) has recently joined the family as a step great, great grandson! Seven nieces and nephews and their families also survive him. Dick was predeceased by his parents Frank C. and Edna E. Learman (Gudschinsky) and his two brothers, John F. "Jack" Learman (Patricia), Robert J. "Bob" Learman (Carol).
In his final 18 months of life, Dick received loving, in-home care from five dedicated caregivers. For the last three weeks, the incredible hospice staff at the Toni & Trish House in Auburn, Michigan provided gentle, compassionate care to Dick and his family. All were angels doing God's work here on earth to one they easily recognized had been a kind and faithful servant himself.
In lieu of flowers, persons wishing to make memorial gifts are encouraged to consider the charitable missions of the organizations that were important to Richard:
The Bay City Noon Rotary Club
The Bay Area Family Y
Delta College Foundation
Toni & Trish House
First Presbyterian Church
A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family will be held in the church commons at 11:00 A.M., with a memorial service at 12:00 noon. The Rev. Brenna Overland and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Weenink officiating. Private inurnment will take place in the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium.