Arnold "Arnie" Richter

Arnie (Arnold) Charles Richter, age 79 of Sebeka, MN, passed away on May 22, 2021.  Out of all the years that dad chased First Responders, how fitting that he died in the back of an ambulance with his great nephew behind the wheel! 

Dad came into the world on September 11, 1941, welcomed by proud parents Peter and Margaret (Hopp) Richter of Wadena, MN.  The youngest of 12, dad grew up getting into more mischief than his parents cared to know about.

On June 9, 1964, dad married the lovely Carolyn Margaret Wegscheid at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bluffton, MN.  Their personalities complimented and grounded each other.  Their marriage was a blueprint for us kids on what and what not to do.   

Dad and mom made a dairy farm west of Sebeka their family home where they welcomed and raised their magnificent children Linda, Darell and Doug.

Dad was never one to shy away from showing how strong he was-no one could stack a load of square bales as high as he could!  He was always our super hero.  In his younger years he worked at Wadena Silo Company and Weiher Construction where he perfected the carpentry skills that helped him construct every building on the farm including a new house.  The farm grew from the original 24 cow dairy to today’s 180 cow dairy.  At times it was difficult not to be in charge, but dad was extremely proud to see his sons and grandson take over the farm and take pride in being farmers.

Dad was a craftsman.  He created countless masterpieces for his family-dollhouses, toy barns, bunk beds, playhouses, dressers, benches, shelves, desks, cattle trailer, tractor cabs...if you wanted it, dad could create it!  He was like a kid in a candy store every time he went to Menard’s.

Dad passed his strong work ethic on to us kids.  We learned at an early age to pitch in and get it done.  Work was always easier and more fun when we were all together.  He also passed his stubborn streak on to us kids, a quality not always appreciated by our spouses and children.

Dad’s love of anything Ford was legendary.  If it wasn’t a Ford, he wasn’t going to have anything to do with it!  On a canoe trip he refused to ride in the van that wasn’t a Ford.  He did make an exception for his 12 wheel Steiger-with that he could take out more trees in a day than any logger.  He would never admit to his son-in-law that he secretly liked New Holland tractors.     

Dad loved to have a good time and be in the middle of everything.  Playing volleyball, canoeing, Saturday night dances at the Sebeka Legion, New York Mills VFW and Wadena VFW with the Paddock and Butler neighbors, zip lining, pulling pranks on family and friends left lasting memories for all of us.  He and mom were founding members of the Ladies and Outlaws Square Dance Club.  Dancing was one of dad and mom’s favorite things to do together-watching them on the dance floor was a joy.  He had a great time writing and sending out his annual “Red Neck” Christmas card.  Dad loved to water-ski, taking his last spin trip behind the boat on his 60th birthday.  In the past couple of years he tried kayaking-getting in was the easy part, getting out took a family effort!

One of dad’s greatest joys was when he got to spend time with his grand and great-grandchildren.  Everything was better with PaPa-fishing, riding on a tractor, having cookies or ice cream for breakfast, playing cards, sharing silly jokes, riding in the golf cart, rocking and napping in a chair or just being PaPa’s buddy.

Dad worked hard and played harder!  What a great man and what a great legacy he gave us!

Preceding dad in death and rejoicing with him now are: his parents Peter and Margaret Richter, father and mother-in-law Louie and Luella Wegscheid. Siblings and in-laws: Ray Richter, Bob and Betty Richter, Ronnie and Warren Behman, Ellie and Louie Roggenkamp, Ed and Lorraine Richter, Jim and Ginny Richter, Don and Margaret Richter, Mary and Herb Lehmkuhl, Jane and Erv Weber, Bob Roser and Ed Anderson and great-great grandson Lucas.

Surviving dad and missing him greatly are: his lovely wife of 56 years Carolyn, daughter Linda (Al) Hendrickx, sons Darell (Sally) Richter and Doug (Tanja) Richter.  Grandchildren: Lacey (TJ) Baumgart, Stacey Richter, Danielle (Caleb) Olson, Stephanie (Josh) Redetzke, Cody (Missy) Hendrickx, Ashley (Craig) Weyer, Sharla Richter, Harliegh (Shane) Stoecker, Casey Richter and Brooke Hendrickx.  Great-grandchildren: Adrienne, Kendall, Destiny, Kash, Ryker, Amelia, Praxon, Amzie, Hazel, Elise, Eli, Foxx, Emma, Andrew and Orin.  Siblings and in-laws: Sophie Roser, Jack (Judy) Richter, Sophie Richter, Vera (Paul) Malone, Regina (Bill) Weniger, Sr. Luella Wegscheid, Marcy Anderson, Marty and Carol Wegscheid. 

In lieu of flowers or cards, our family kindly asks that you make a donation in memory of dad to the Sebeka First Responders at:

Sebeka First Responders

105 2nd St SE

Sebeka, MN  56477

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