Rodney Richter

Rodney W. Richter, age 89, of Vergas, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Loon Lake Church, Vergas, MN.  Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Loon Lake with a prayer service to be held at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  Burial will be made at St. Paul’s Lutheran Loon Lake Cemetery.

Rodney was born June 29, 1928, in Vergas, MN, to William and Frieda (Bunkowske) Richter. Rodney was baptized July 8, 1928 and confirmed July 19, 1942 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Loon Lake. Rodney grew up in Bertha, MN, until the age of 10, when his family returned to the family farm in Vergas, MN, where Rodney resided until the time of his passing.  He attended country school near his home in rural Vergas through the 8th grade.  Following his schooling, Rodney worked on the family farm with his father, William.  Rodney married Marjorie Wendt, December 13, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Loon Lake. Rodney was drafted into the United States Army January 23, 1953 where he served overseas during the Korean War in the Demilitarized Zone.  He was honorably discharged December 1, 1954.  Rodney and Marjorie made their home on the family farm near Vergas where they raised 5 children: Meri Beth, David, Virginia, John and Paul.

Following his farming career, Rodney started selling seed for several companies and finally retired November 30, 2017.

Rodney was active in Candor Township and served as the township clerk for 37 years.  He was very active at St. Paul’s Lutheran Loon Lake Church where he served in various positions over the years. He also served on the Land O’ Lakes Cooperative and Vergas Elevator Boards.

Rodney greeted everyone with a smile and loved visiting and telling stories. He will be dearly missed.

Rodney is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie Richter; 4 children: Meri Beth (Michael) Tieden of Houston, MO, David (Julie) Richter of Bethel, MO, Virginia (Paul) Thon of Frazee, MN, Paul (Linda) Richter of Aurora, SD; daughter-in-law, Linda Richter of Vergas, MN; 16 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Bill (Fran) Richter of Glyndon, MN; 3 sisters-in-law, Georgia (Roger) Bentley of New York Mills, MN, Wilma Richter of Vergas, and Careadell Richter of Detroit Lakes; along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Rodney in death were his parents; son, John Richter; 2 brothers, Leon and Ralph; and 2 nephews, Russell and Ryan Richter.