Robert D. Richter (1932-2021) worked without a break, then "had a catch" with his children

Robert D. Richter was born March 3, 1932 in Madison, WI to Harold and Lillian Richter. He graduated from Madison West High School in 1951 where he met, and later married, Marjorie Ziegler. Bob and Marjorie raised five children, Jeffrey (Kristi) Richter, Brad Richter, Michael (Tracy) Richter, Michelle (Todd) Boisvert, and the late Denise Richter Falzone. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Drew, BreAnne, Jacob, Zachary, Klairissa, Brittney and Christopher; and four great grandchildren. Bob is predeceased by his wife, daughter, parents, brother, and sister.

His children say, "As kids, our friends would talk about their heroes, who were athletes or actors. We would say, our hero is our dad."

At 16 years old, Richter and his best friend hitchhiked from Wisconsin to Amarillo, Texas looking for work on a ranch. They took turns sleeping on park benches. He was an Air Force veteran.

Richter worked at Brinks Armored Car in Rockford for 43 years, sitting on a metal chair with no air conditioning, never taking a break. Then when his shift was over, he would go to a second, part-time job. When he came home, he would say after dinner, "Let's go have a catch." Even then, he wouldn't talk about himself; he wanted to hear what his children learned at school.

His children say, "Dad was the epitome of a family man. He loved his children and always had time for them, even after a hard days work. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He always had a special nickname for each of us.... People would say, 'Is Bob Richter your dad? He's such a nice man!'"

Bob enjoyed coaching baseball and softball, caddying for golf matches and being his grandkids number one fan at all of their events. He loved playing cards, especially euchre, and would teach anyone to play who wanted to learn the game. Bob had a smile that would light up a room and twinkling blue eyes full of kindness. He moved to Roscoe more than 20 years ago and enjoyed being the resident handyman at Oak Village Condominiums.

A Celebration of Life will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Roscoe VFW, 11385 2nd Street, Roscoe, IL 61073. In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to the family to purchase a park bench in Bob’s name.

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