James Richter
Funeral services for James Richter will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake. Reverend Wendy Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be held the night before, Wednesday March 2, from 4-7 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea, MN and again one hour prior to the service at church. Western attire encouraged. Interment will be in Concordia Lutheran Cemetery Pickerel Lake.
James Richter, age 67, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at his home in rural Lake Mills, Iowa. He was born August 13, 1948 to Harry and Marie (Ohm) Richter and was raised on the farm near Alden, MN. He was a lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake.
On July 22, 1989 James married his wife Mary Keller Benny at his home church.
James drove truck for over 40 years, and used the CB handle ‘Ricochet Rabbit.’ He made it to all of the continental U.S. states except for Maine. He also held jobs as a mechanic and a tow truck driver. James could be considered a ‘motorhead’ because he loved anything with an engine. He enjoyed watching and driving fast cars, drag racing, and truck pulling. He also enjoyed tractor pulling with his Farmall Super M-TA that he just recently restored.
When he wasn’t on the road, Jim could be found having coffee with the gang, watching old westerns, or spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren.
Through the years, Jim always remained a kid at heart, getting into mischief and maintaining a sarcastic sense of humor. There was always a lesson to be learned from him. He seemed to be rough around the edges, but deep down he had a heart of gold.
James is survived by his wife, Mary Richter; children, Daniel Richter (Jacqui Jepson), Jeffrey Benny (Erica), James Benny (Becky Haugen); 10 grandchildren; sister, Judy Richter Perez; and 8 nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Harry; brother, Dean Harry Richter; parents-in-law, Albert and Betty Keller; brother-in-law, Larry Keller; as well as many aunts, uncles, and friends
