Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that her father, Richard Whitmer, died on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
Her father served as Commerce Secretary to Gov. Bill Milliken and later as CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Recommended Videos
“He held a lot of impressive positions in his long life,” Whitmer said on Tuesday. “He led major non-profits, sat on statewide boards, and served in the cabinet of one of my predecessors, Governor Milliken. But for me, he was just dad.
“He was the one who always saw my potential and believed in me, from the first speech I gave in fifth grade to my States of the State as governor. He was always there, whether in the back of the classroom or in the front row of the House Chamber, cheering me on,” the governor said.
She credits her father with first encouraging her to consider a career in public service.
“He was the one who suggested I consider public service,” Whitmer said. “As a student at MSU who dreamt of a life in sports broadcasting, he was the one who told me to check out an internship at the capital to see how state government really worked. I haven’t looked back since.”
“He was the one who picked me up when I was down or told me to get my act together when I screwed up,” she said. “When my grades were slacking in high school, he inspired me to live up to my potential. Because of his encouragement, I did.”
She said her father took the most pride in seeing his children and grandchildren grow up with the values he taught them and lived up to every day.
“My siblings and I have a ton of beautiful memories and hilarious stories about our dad,” Whitmer said. “And I was thrilled that my girls got to make their own memories with him, too. I got to see my dad become a proud, doting grandfather. He was always quick to laugh, happy to offer advice, and proud most of all that his children and grandchildren had grown up with those fundamental Michigan values of kindness, respect, and humor that he taught us and lived up to every day of his life.
“He was my best friend, most trusted counselor, and next-door neighbor until I moved into the Governor’s Residence. I would not be where I am and who I am without my dad,” Whitmer said. “Today, I’m sad, but I’m grateful too. I’m grateful for the time we got to spend together, for the things he taught me, and the stories I’ll carry with me forever.”
Richard Whitmer is survived by his sister, three children --Gretchen, Richard, and Liz-- and his seven grandchildren.
Former and current leaders at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan released the following statements following his death:
“Dick Whitmer’s steady leadership during a turbulent time for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan literally saved the company. Without a leader of such impeccable honesty, Blue Cross would not have been able to rebuild our financial foundation and restore our legislative and regulatory relationships in the late 1980s. Dick guided our company through our unique statutory role as insurer of last resort during the 1990s and early 2000s – ensuring that everyone in Michigan had access to a health insurance plan regardless of pre-existing conditions and that seniors had access to affordable Medicare supplement insurance. Dick’s leadership was truly historic, given the security afforded to millions of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members over the past four decades provided by the company he saved."
Gregory Sudderth, Chairman of the Board, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
“Dick Whitmer’s historic, 18-year tenure as President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan came at a critical time for our company, when Blue Cross had strained relations with stakeholders and was managing through a financial crisis that threatened the security of millions of Blue Cross members. Dick Whitmer’s leadership stabilized Blue Cross’s finances, restored our relationships and helped our company emerge from the crisis it faced in the 1980s. Dick Whitmer was a leader of integrity and fortitude. He put Blue Cross on the path to grow, compete and serve in a new century. He championed transparency and integrity. His tenure was marked by dramatically improved relations between management and labor, founded upon mutual respect and a collaborative spirit. Over his 18 years as our CEO, Dick rallied the company’s employees and stakeholders and proved that good people with good intentions, possessing a passionate vision for their company’s mission, could accomplish great things for the people and communities we serve.”
Tricia Keith, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
“Dick Whitmer was a great friend, mentor and leader. His approach to leadership was humble, yet strong and forthright. When he made decisions, he always prioritized the needs of others. He was deeply committed to his family, his community and his obligations as CEO of Blue Cross. Dick Whitmer’s legacy is the security and peace of mind that millions of Blue Cross members have had, over more than four decades, that their health care will be covered by a company they can trust to always stand behind them.”
Daniel J. Loepp, former President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan