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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer mourns death of ‘beloved father’
Richard Whitmer, 85, led Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan through a financial crisis and served as commerce secretary under Gov. Bill Milliken, Michigan's Republican leader.
- On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her father, Richard Whitmer, died Monday night, sharing the news online and via social media.
- Richard Whitmer had a long public career, serving as Commerce Secretary to Governor Bill Milliken before joining Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and becoming its CEO.
- Whitmer wrote `He was my best friend, most trusted counselor, and next-door neighbor until I moved into the Governor's Residence` and credited Richard Whitmer for encouraging her toward public service at Michigan State University.
- At 85, Richard Whitmer led nonprofits, served on statewide boards, and worked in Governor Bill Milliken's cabinet while longtime associates recalled friendships over six decades.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer mourns death of 'beloved father'
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that she is mourning the death of her father Richard Whitmer, a behind-the-scenes power player in state government and health care who, she says, set her on a path to the governor’s office.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Center
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
84% Center
C 84%
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