Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Charles Richter
Charlie Richter, age 93, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, ND.
Charles Albert Richter was born on June 9th, 1927 to Otto and Marie Richter. He was born and raised on a farm in Pleasant Prairie Township, east of New Rockford, ND. Charlie attended the school in Brantford through the 8th grade. He then attended high school in New Rockford, where he was active in football and band. He graduated from New Rockford High School in the spring of 1945. Charlie enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1946 and came home to help his dad farm after his honorable discharge in 1948, starting his long farming career.
He married the love of his life, Neola Georgeson, on October 1st, 1950 at the Methodist Church in New Rockford. After they were married, they lived and farmed on the family farmstead. They were blessed with seven children. As the kids grew and were involved in more activities, they purchased a house in town, where they lived during the school year, moving out to the farm every spring. During his farming years, he drove semi for Bob Weber and also hauled haystacks for multiple local farmers. He was also an owner of Midway Implement from 1971 until 1989. After retiring from farming in 1988, he continued his long-time love of trucking, driving his semi-truck coast to coast for 18 years. After his retirement, he continued to help and visit the boys on the farm daily, after checking the community happenings at the Rockford Café round table. He had a deep love for agriculture and the farm he helped build.
Charlie was very civic minded and actively involved in many organizations. He served on the church board of the Methodist Church for several years and sang in the church choir. He was also active in the American Legion, the Eagles Club, Steam Threshers, Shriners, Masons, Grand Commandry, Knights of Red Cross, and the Pleasant Prairie Township. Charlie was on the New Rockford school board for several years. He drove bus to various sporting events for a number of years as well. Charlie was elected to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (GDCD) board from 1969 to 2012. A true statesman, he generously devoted himself to strengthening North Dakota’s water industry and his community, earning a reputation for leadership and participation as he tirelessly promoted water projects and irrigation development in North Dakota. He holds the distinction as the longest serving director in the history of the GDCD. Garrison Diversion was truly near and dear to Charlie’s heart. Because of his dedication to water development, his presence is engrained into North Dakota’s water history.
Charlie is survived by his seven children, Connie Richter, West Fargo, Orlan (Peggy) Richter, Bismarck, Carter (Mary) Richter, New Rockford, Lori (Rod) Bachmeier, West Fargo, Jani (Jim) Seifert, Bismarck, Stuart (Vicky) Richter, New Rockford, and Wendi (Bruce) Dean, Jamestown; 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; sisters Lois Laber, Enderlin, and Ruth (Neil) Barkus, Jamestown; brother-in-law Quentin (Delores) Georgeson, New Rockford; sisters-in-law, Edith Georgeson, New Rockford and Betty Georgeson, Sheyenne, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Neola Richter, his parents; a sister Maralyn (Bob) Salting, brothers, Kenneth (Gerry) Anderson, and Ward (Dorothy) Anderson; brothers-in-law Norbert Laber, Gary Georgeson, Dean (Fern) Georgeson and Aldon Georgeson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Charlie’s name to Prairie Home Cemetery Auxiliary, Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, First Lutheran Church, all of New Rockford, ND, or the Shriner’s organization.
Due to COVID-19 the family is asking that you choose to attend either the Prayer Service or the Funeral Service but not both, to cut down on the number of attendees at the services, thank you.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 9:00AM – 6:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford, followed by a Masonic Ceremony at 7:00PM and a Prayer Service at 7:30PM both at the First Lutheran Church, New Rockford.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 19, 2021 at 10:30AM at First Lutheran Church.
A Private Family Burial will be at the Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford.
Posted Condolences:
33 Comments
Submit a Comment
Condolences are reviewed by staff.
Thoughts and Prayers are with Charlie’s family. Charlie was an inspiration to many people. He will be greatly missed.
Kathy and Corey Lesmeister
My sympathy to the Richter family. We all know death comes at some point for our mothers and fathers.
Yours was extended longer than most which is a blessing in many ways. A great neighbor was Charlie and an even
better friend. His sons and daughters were also our good friends out in rural Brantford. i remember in the early sixties when CHARLIE used caterpillars to pull his field equipment and the power they had as compared to our farm tractors at the time. Charlie always had the biggest combine around the area and it was John Deere. Driving by his field with him running the combine we marveled at how big a swath he was gobbling up. If one needed help for anything you could count on Charlie to be there. Just this past summer at the Schaefer wedding at their farm, Charlie showed up and we all had to wait our turn to visit with him. Always a popular guy, even his granddaughters wanted to move in for a hug. How glad I am that he was there that afternoon even without a mask. Got to visit for a half hour and share some old memories farming.
I wish the kind of life Charlie had on his family. All my love Gary Klein
Life long friends & family, that’s what Charlie and Neola were to my family. The Weber’s have many treasured memories through the years of Easters, holidays and church events spent together.
It is so hard to see these icons pass on, but what a long, wonderful and full they have lived.
Charlie was one of my dad’s longest friends. For that I am eternally grateful.
My heart and prayers go out to: Connie, Orlan, Carter, Lori, Jani, Stuart, Wendy and their families. Thank you for the memories, friendship and being part of my family.
Prayers for the entire family, Charlie will sure be missed. I was lucky to have him as a close neighbor growing up, with many special memories at the farm and church events, and every time I had an opportunity to visit New Rockford over the many years, Charlie was a treasure to visit with, always getting a big hug from him.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you, Charlie’s family. You must have so very many fond memories to forever remember him by. Charlie was such a fun-loving guy, and always happy to see folks he hadn’t in awhile. And he and Neola such great neighbors and friends. He was a true pillar of the community, and will be missed by many. May your faith in God help to comfort you now and in the days ahead. God bless his memory. Thinking of you all!
Jerry & Maureen (Klein) Knudsen
When I came back to North Dakota after a long absence, Charlie was one of the first people I met at Garrison Diversion, where he was a Director and I worked, and we became co-workers and good friends. Charlie was more than a good friend, his enthusiasm for life, work and play was contagious and made all of us better people. Stories relating to Charlies love of life and people are numerous and those of us who knew him know the stories. I will never forget him and the positive impact he had on my life and many others. All of his family should be proud of that. I will miss him!
Richter Family- Please accept my condolences at Charlie’s passing. He was a good man and even better friend. My dad,Bob Weber along with the rest of us thought the world of him. Whenever he saw me (which hasn’t been often the last few years) he would give a big smile, eyes twinkling and say,”Hey Weber how you doing? Ok, Craig what kind of trouble you been into lately?” He will be missed.. by my mom especially. So many of her Methodist church friends are now gone. May God be with and Bless your entire family. Craig Weber
We always looked forward to cousin Charlie’s visit to Southern California. A great friend to his late cousin Bill Anderson and wife Marian. On his last visit in 2015 or 2016, we had the pleasure of driving him to the airport. We took a detour to see El Toro Marine Base, which he stayed in some time during the war. He was amazed at how the area had changed and was still in the process of being built with lots of machinery in use. Taking him down memory lane and listening to his stories is now a memory we will cherish.
Our deepest condolences,
Joyce Anderson and William Anderson (grandson of Bill’s)
Charlie was our bus driver for years. I remember Connie from our days as cheerleaders and “Stewie” riding along on the bus. Charlie always had a ready smile to greet us morning and evening.
My condolences to the family. Prayers for God’s hand of comfort in your lives at the loss of your father.
Condolences to all the Richter children. After my family left the farm, I was lucky to be the kid on weekend trips from Fargo to New Rockford with my Dad to visit neighbors, and so Pop could get his “farm talk fix”. The Richters were always one of the first stops. All around the kitchen table , listening to crop and shop talk. And I will miss seeing Charlie and Neola at the Thresher Show ,usually having pie in the 4H building. Wonderful memories of wonderful kind people.
Only had a chance to know Charlie a few years through our mutual involvement with the Garrison Conservancy District, but even with a short association it was obvious to me he was a very high caliber individual. He served several terms of Chairman of that Board and based on that involvement and his long history in ND Water development he was inducted into the ND Water Hall of Fame just this last year. A great leader and a fine gentleman; condolences to the family.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. I knew Charlie through the Shriners and will always remember how happy he was to greet people, especially with the smile. He certainly enjoyed his time with fellow brothers.
Farewell my brother.
Drew Likness
Keeping your family in our prayers as you celebrate Charlie’s life.
Our family and the Richters were such great friends when we grew up in New Rockford. Charlie brought in big farm trucks to help us move in 1965, first to an apartment downtown for two months and then to our new home by the clinic. An entry in Mom’s diary said they were done by noon. He also brought a big grain truck of “decomposed rich soil”🤔 from the farm to our new home in Fargo for Dad’s large garden spot. I still use the garden and the tiller guy says it’s the best soil he ever tills! I also remember Charlie using a truck to haul our Methodist Youth Fellowship group around to go Christmas caroling. Mom more than once called Charlie to remind him that she really needed his voice in the bass section in church choir, and he never failed to come. Our Methodist Church family was the foundation for most of the great memories. Neola was such a special part of those too. I think my dad probably delivered all or most of the Richter children. We can be so thankful that our parents left us with a great legacy that will be treasured forever.
To all of the Richter Family our deepest sympathies. Charlie & Neola were such GREAT people and pillars of the New Rockford community. To Mike and I they were someone we looked up to and considered dear friends. We were so happy to have been able to see and spend a little time with Charlie last summer. A great memory we will always have and share a lot is years ago we were at Merv & Bev Bjornson’s house to see Merv before he passed away from cancer and in walked Charlie and it was so fun to watch these two best friends share stories and while the conversation was going on Charlie says “ Hey Merv whatever happened to a good old heart attack” as he watched his friend suffer with cancer and we all burst out into laughter. He had such a great sense of humor. Charlie you will be greatly missed by so many but Neola is hugging you once again and that brings peace ❤️
We enjoyed Charlie’s fun sense of humor. He was such a special friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sympathy to the family, especially our friend Ruth. Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory, dear friend.
My condolences to the Richter family. I have fond memories of working at his farm in the late 50’s. He was a pillar in the New Rockford community. I had continued to connect with him over the years! He was the ‘salt of the earth’ and ever ready to help in any project.
Great guy and will be missed by everyone who knew him Besides all of his civic involvement you forgot to say what a great dancer he was (probably the best). Thanks also for the great picture. So much better than the usual obit pic.
Uncle Charlie was definitely one of the good ones and quite a character. He always had a ready smile and a firm handshake- my hand still hurts thinking about it 😊
I take comfort knowing he is with his darling wife once again, though he will be missed down here.
Cousins-I hope you are remembering all the good times you shared with him. I know I am. His was a life worth celebrating. Wish I could be there with you for the service but please know you are all in my thoughts during this difficult time. We will raise a glass in his honor from a distance and hopefully in person soon.
My deepest condolences to the Richter family at Charlie’s passing. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. Keep the many fond memories close to your heart.
Sending all the love to the Richter family. I have so many good memories spending time at Charlie and Neola’s after school with Chelsey when we were growing up. That guy had the biggest heart of gold. ❤
I don’t know how many years I knew this leader before I found out he was a Marine. This increased our bond and my respect for him. He was a great mentor and will leave a great legacy. He will be truly missed.
To Brother Charlie’s family, I am sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I met Brother Charlie many years ago at our annual Masonic events. We hit it off right away and I looked forward to visiting with him every year. I’m saddened, knowing he’s no longer with us.
Farewell my Brother!
Oh the stories my Dad, Norman Rudel, would tell after Garrison Diversion meetings and Charlie was always included. Sorry for your loss, he was one of the greatest!! God’s peace be with all of you.
What can I say other than “Good Ol’ Charlie”. A great person, a great personality. You will be missed by many Charlie. God’s peace be with you.
Carter, Mary, Tiffany and family, we extend our Heartfelt Condolences & Sympathies.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the whole Richter clan. The world has lost one of the best guys around! He always had a funny remark to share. I don’t know of a more independent man either! He did life his way always!
We have fond memories of growing up in the Methodist Church with Charlie and Neola. They were such pillars of the church and community!
Then when we moved back to NR in 2004 we got to once again have them in our lives! More memories were added.
We loved them and will miss them always!
What a legacy the left! May your memories bring you comfort and blessings.
Charlie stopped in and saw me at Billings KW a few times. Good friend of my dad, all around great guy. Condolences to his family.
So sorry for your loss.Charlie will be missed by so many Hugs to you all
Gosh, Charlie was such a wonderful person! We had several sweet visits both in the Heritage House and at LHGS. He was always so enthusiastic to have a chat! He and Neola were very sweet together. I only knew them in there sunset years and it was inspiring to watch them together. I can only imagine the void left by the two of them. I pray that you find comfort and peace in your memories together and in the knowledge of their togetherness now with the Heavenly Father.
“Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.” Jude vs. 2 Paula Loewen, Pastoral Care – LHGS
Cousins: The heartfelt messages shared by so many must make you feel proud of your Dad. He truly was one of those good guys. I remember he was a good uncle too. May he now Rest In Peace with Neola. My deep condolences to all the family.
I always had a blast serving Charlie, he will be missed!
Charlie Richter was a great friend and neighbor of the Harold Berglund and the Ferdinand Kuehn family’s in the Brantford area, in fact Charlie and Lyle (Bud) Kuehn were very close friends. Charles had one of the first R John Deer diesel tractors in our neighborhood, I can still hear the powerful sound of the two cylinder beast. I remember going to their wedding back in the 50’s it was very elegant. After we all moved our West it left my grandparents, Ferdinand and Lucille Kuehn alone in New Rockford. I can never thank Charlie and Neola enough for watching over them like it was their own grandparents
Charlie and Neola will never be forgotten.
God Bless
Ron Berglund