Walter R. Richter • 1917 - 2005

Walter R. Richter, 88, Minot, died Monday, May 23, 2005, at a Minot nursing home.

Walter was born on April 21, 1917, in Esmund, ND, the son of John and Josephine (Huck) Richter. Walter graduated from Rugby High School and graduated from Minot Teachers College in Minot, ND. He taught school in a one room school house for a time before going to work for the Great Northern Railway.

Walter married Olive Hjelmstad on November 2, 1946, in Minot. He was employed with the Great Northern and Burlington Northern Railroads. The couple lived in Minot, East Grand Forks, Hibbing, MN, Willmar, MN, Glendive, MT, Mesa AR, Vacaville, CA., Twin Falls, ID and then returned to Minot Walter retired from the railroad in 1977, as an assistant superintendent in Glendive, MT. After retiring Walter and Olive made their home in Twin Falls, ID and spent summers at their lake cabin near New Town, ND.

Walter loved playing golf, bridge, and curling. He was an avid rock collector, and often made jewelry. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, and spending time with family.

He was a member of the B.P.O.E Elks Lodge #1089, Knights of Columbus, and the Kiwanis's club.

Survivors: wife of 58 years, Olive, Minot; children, Cheryl (Roger) Juntunen, Rupert, ID; Rodney (Susan) Richter, Minot, Cris Richter, Eugene, OR; grandchildren, Lorelei Juntunen (Ryan Deibert), Portland, OR, Jakob Juntunen, Portland, OR, Heidi Richter, Minot, Scott Fagan, Daniel Fagan, Kansas City, KS, and Samuel Richter, Minot; granddaughter, Jenna Filz, Minot; brothers, Dan (Dorothy) Richter, Rugby, ND and Wendelyn Richter, Las Vegas, NV; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Joseph and John Richter.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, May 27, 2005, 10:30 a.m. St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot.

Visitation: Thursday, May 26, 2005, from Noon until 7 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday, May 26, 2005, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at the New Town Community Cemetery, New Town, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the donor's choice.

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