Serving Whitman County since 1877

Elmo "Rick" Richter

Dad passed away November 16, 2020, he was 90 years old. A memorial service in the spring/summer is being planned.

Rick, the youngest of three children, was born at the family ranch near Winona on April 3, 1930, to Anton and Lillian Richter. He loved the country life while working hard and playing just as much! After graduating from St. John High School (1948) he enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Korean War, returning to the San Francisco Bay area he met Mom – Faye Moline while out dancing one evening. They married December 5, 1952, and after being honorably discharged a few years later they moved back to the Palouse to take over the farm.

Dad loved farming and took great pride in the land, caring for it just as his forefathers did. He was active in the Wheat Growers of Endicott and served as a director many years, Winona Grange, Colfax Elks, and loved watching Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball along with the Seattle Mariners. Dad and Mom spent endless hours making the home place their resort (Rick's Roost and Tulla's Tub), which they affectionately called it.

After Mom passed away in 1982, Dad retired and married Lil Abbott, they found a beautiful place on the water in Moses Lake. The two of them enjoyed years of fishing and traveling around the USA in their motor home. They built a home in Wenatchee and continued living the dream! Lil passed away in 2014 and Dad moved back to St. John a few years later residing at the Community Pride where he adopted Peter the cat.

Dad will be missed by so many...especially his children: Verne Strader (Barbara) of Endicott, Judy Cook of St. John, Debbie Bopp of Longview, Karen Richter-Young (Mark) of Bloomington, Minn., and Mark Richter (Kathleen) of Endicott. Twelve grandchildren: Nick, Todd, Tim, Emily, Jeremy, Courtney, Parrish, Shane, Kendall, Kayla, Claire, and Colson; as well as several great-grandchildren. In addition to Mom and Lil he was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Clarence, sister Helen, grandson Tyler, son-in-law Clifford Cook, and Nathan Bopp.

Memorials in memory of him can be made to a charity of your choice. Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax is in charge of arrangements.

 

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