Donald Richter

Donald Eugene Richter, 76, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2016, at his home in Atlantic.

Don was born October 13, 1939, in Exira, Iowa, to Bernald and Mary (Yurich) Richter. He was raised in the Lewis and Wiota area where he attended country school in Wiota.

Don joined the United States Navy on December 26, 1956, and served until May 16, 1960. He spent most of his service time at sea. Upon returning home from the service, Don worked for his father driving truck as well as owning his own electric company, Richter Electric.

He was united in marriage to Ruth LeAnn Huffman May 26, 1962, in Atlantic, Iowa. Don was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

He lived most of his life in Atlantic with the exception of Des Moines for a few years. He then drove truck over the road for the majority of his career. Don loved running the East coast. Before retiring, he drove truck for his son.

Don loved his family greatly, as well as planting his garden every spring. He enjoyed watching baseball and football and was an avid Cubs fan. He had a favorite motto, "GNPL, Grab Now Pay Later". Don was the kind of guy who would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. He was a philosopher in his own mind of any subject. More importantly, you could mention any building anywhere and he had wired it.

Don is survived by his wife, Ruth Richter of Atlantic, IA; daughters, Stephanie Richter of Atlantic, IA, and Regina Richter of Omaha, NE; sons, Gary (Sally) Richter, Jon (Lee Schipull) Richter and Phil (Shawnell) Richter all of Atlantic, IA; his grandchildren, Gregory (Candice) Richter, Jessica Grieshaber, Lydia Richter, A.J Richter, Harison Richter, Kale Richter and Callie Richter; six great-grandchildren; Lillian, Alexis, Bristol, Gage Richter, Bailey and Tinley Grieshaber; brothers, Larry (Mardell) Richter of Atlantic, IA, twin brother, Ronald (Ellen) Richter of Aurora, CO, Bill Richter of Boone, IA and Bernald "Jr." (Ruth) Richter of Atlantic, IA; sister, Barb Sisler of Atlantic, IA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Richter; parents, Bernald and Mary Richter; sister, Dorothy and brother-in-law, Roger Power; brother, Thomas Richter; sister-in-law, Ellen Richter and brother-in-law, Dick Sisler.

Visitation with family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic with burial in the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.