Richard E. Richter, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2010 at Big Sky Care Center in Helena, Montana where he had resided for the past three weeks; prior to that he resided with his wife Helen for the past 59+ years.
Dick was born in Helena, Montana on June 18, 1920 to Emily and Harry C W Richter. He attended Helena area grade schools graduating from Helena High School in June of 1938. He attended school in the temporary railroad coaches following the 1935 earthquake in Helena.
After High School he worked for many employers including the Department of Highways and the Department of Labor and Industry. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 serving in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged in 1946. The following year he entered into the grocery business with Louis Gloege and ran a small neighborhood grocery (Gloege & Richter Corner Grocery) until 1954. Later that same year he went to work for the Department of Revenue where he retired as a Tax Auditor in 1984.
Dick met the love of his life Helen E. Buckhouse and they were married June 23, 1951. In November of 1952 he and Helen were blessed with the birth of their son Richard William and in January of 1954 they were again blessed with the birth of their daughter Diane Louise.
Dick’s hobbies included fishing, which he loved to do while spending time with his family at their cabin on the Little Prickley Pear Creek, bowling, throwing horseshoes, playing golf, playing cribbage, doing crossword puzzles and woodworking. He played drums with the Energetic Seniors at various functions and several area nursing homes in and around Helena.
He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral where he served on the vestry, the VFW, the Eagles, the Ottawa Lodge #51 A.F. & A.M. where he served as Master, Josephine Hepner #89 OES where he served as Patron (several times), the Scottish Rite and the Algeria Shine Chanters.
After the trial and tribulations of raising a family and balancing two successful careers, Dick and Helen were able to enjoy their retirement together in grand style with friends and family. They were fortunate to be able to spend more time at the cabin and to go on several wonderful cruises.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lyvian and wife Corrine and his granddaughter Michelle Pedersen.
He is survived by his wife Helen, his son Richard W. (Nancy) of Pasco, Washington, his daughter Diane (Jeffrey Pedersen) of Helena, grandchildren: Kipp Richter of Houston Texas, Lauren Richter and Abbey (Randy) Aust of the tri cities in Washington, Kristy (Josh) Klein of Helena, his great-granddaughter Makayla Klein, his nephews Lyvian K Richter (Charlotte) of Sandy Utah and Thomas Richter (Karen) of Billings Montana. In addition there are numerous cousins, grand nieces and their spouses.
Dad was a quiet and gentle soul who in 90 years made many friends and enjoyed life to its fullest. We will miss him.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 1 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 650 Logan Street, Helena Montana.
Private burial with military honors will be at the Montana Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent in Dick’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s, 201 S. California St. Helena MT 59601), the Algeria Shine Children’s Transportation Fund, PO Box 1174, Helena MT 59624) or the organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
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Myrna (Fuller) Smith says
Dear Helen and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Dick was a wonderful friend to all who knew him.May his loving memories and his sense of humor bring you comfort. Love Myrna (Fuller) Smith
Susan Deming says
I worked with Dick at the Dept. of Revenue a long time ago. That was my first “real” job after college and I was scared to death! He was always very kind. My prayers go to Helen and the family.