Richard Theodore Werlin (May 29, 1954 – August 15, 2025) After a courageous 30+ year battle with coronary heart disease and post-heart transplant-related trauma and infections, Rick passed away peacefully with the loving and steadfast care of Stuart R. Bader, his amazing husband, and the professional care of primary care doctor, Dr. Nikki Switzer, and the extended team of Palm Springs Hospice. Rick is predeceased by his altruistic and loving mom, Esther Caplan Werlin; maternal grandfather, Charles Caplan; nephew, Evan Charles Werlin, MD; all his loving Aunts and Uncles; former husband, William J. Mills; and his father, Eli Werlin. Rick is survived by his devoted husband, “Stuie” Bader; twin sister, Deborah Faith Werlin; brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence Bruce Werlin, MD, and Sally Werlin; his ever-loving in-laws, Molly and Sid Bader; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Kerry Bader; sister and brother-in-law, Kristi Bader and Gary Swartz; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; his first and second cousins; and his “handful” of the very best friends! After graduating from undergraduate studies in Rochester, NY and graduate studies in Houston, TX, he was well prepared for a 40+ year career in Public Education in New York, Texas, and San Diego, CA, where he retired as Deputy Superintendent, teacher at Point Loma Nazarene University, and Professional Coach for school districts and the San Diego County Office of Education. For those who wish to contribute in Rick’s memory, please consider the Esther Caplan Werlin Scholarship Fund Temple Israel – Albany, NY; the Bader Family Foundation with JFCS in Minneapolis, MN; or any random and private act of kindness to someone without regard to race, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

Funeral service 2:30 pm THURSDAY, August 21st at ADATH YESHURUN CEMETERY, 5605 France Ave. S., Edina, and available on Zoom at: www.hodroffs.com/RickWerlin . SHIVA 6:00 pm Thursday at Oak Ridge Country Club, 700 Oak Ridge Rd., Hopkins.