Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Melvin O. Richter was born November 12, 1927 to Roderick and Laura (Pagel) Richter.
He passed away November 6, 2023 after a full and wonderful life filled with kindness, gentleness and a quick smile. Polite to his caregivers to the very end.
Mel grew up in the Weyauwega area. Early in his life he began home delivery of milk and washing out the used milk bottles for Richter’s Creamery, his father’s business. He enlisted in the U S Army in World War II and served as a Motor Sergeant. He was proud of his service and felt privileged to participate in the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, DC later in his life. After his military service, he worked at Wolf River Sausage and ended his working days as the owner of the Party Shoppe in Weyauwega. Mel was a member of the Weyauwega VFW Post 10407 and the Weyauwega Lions.
Mel was fortunate to find two loves in his life. He married Dorothy Anderson on November 25,1953. They shared many trips around the United States. She preceded him in death on October 19, 1996. On January 8, 2000, Mel married Dorothy (Olson) Smith and on that day instantly became a father and grandfather. Mel loved being a part of a larger family and his new role in it. He spent many happy days hunting, ice fishing, and playing cards with his three stepsons and grandsons. Dorothy passed away November 2, 2015.
Mel was an avid sportsman and often reminisced about his hunting adventures with his buddies at their cabin in northern Wisconsin. He enjoyed cheering on his Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. Mel was a lucky man on his trips to North Star Casino or so he said. He referred to his gambling trips as “I took a drive today.”
Mel had another interest and that was music. He taught himself to play the accordion and harmonica. At an early age, his father gave him an old Hohner button box accordion and Mel developed the special talent to play by ear. Polkas were his favorite. He would ask “What would you like me to play?” If he could hear the tune, he could play it. Family members were treated to his recitals but he was too shy to play in front of large groups.
Mel will be missed by his family and friends. He lived a good long life and often marveled that he lived so many years.
Mel is survived by his sister, Verna Vergenz; his three stepsons, Steve (Val) Smith, Paul (Debi) Smith, Marte (Jeanne) Smith; grandchildren; great children; nieces and nephews.
The Memorial Service will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca at 11 AM on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, with Reverend Andy Behrendt, officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Salem (Swede) Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Farmington, Waupaca Co., WI. Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
