Vernon J. Richter, age 78, of Jamestown, ND, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, ND, while fighting a courageous battle with ALS.

Vernon James Richter was born on April 26, 1939, in Sykeston, ND, the son of Theodore and Anna (Laber) Richter. He was baptized, had his first communion and confirmation in St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sykeston. He attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Grade School and Sykeston High School Graduating in 1957. Vernon enlisted in the Army in January 1958, and was honorably discharged in December 1959. After returning he started farming on his father’s farm near Sykeston.

He was united in marriage to Arlene Clapper on June 1, 1961, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sykeston. They lived on a farm in rural Sykeston until moving into town in 1971.  Vernon drove school bus for Sykeston Public schools for many years. He enjoyed sports and managed men’s softball, T-Ball, Pee Wee, and Babe Ruth Baseball teams in Sykeston for 15 years. Vernon held many jobs, USDA Statistical Reporting Service from 1967-1979. He worked for the USPS as a Sub Carrier from 1972-1974, a clerk from 1974-1978. On July 7, 1978, he was appointed as Postmaster of Cathay, and was there until April 14, 2006. On April 15 he was appointed as Postmaster in Sykeston until he retired as postmaster October 1, 2010. He and Arlene moved to Jamestown, ND, that September. Vernon started working for Heritage Centre in Jamestown in November until August of 2016, while working for Heritage Centre he also worked for NASDA-NASS from January 2011 – November 2016.

Vernon loved his family very much.  He showed this by attending and supporting everyone in all of their activities throughout their lives. His joyful spirit inspired all and his humor was always present. He was a role model in his faith, through his humility and self-sacrificing ways.

Vernon was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sykeston and St. James Catholic Basilica, of Jamestown. He was also a member of St. Elizabeth’s/St. Joseph’s CAA Council. He was a member of Sykeston American Legion Post 17.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Arlene, Jamestown; children Michelle Polries, Fargo, Paula (Mark) Grueneich, Parshall, Todd (Gail) Richter, Casselton, and Patrick (Jamie) Richter, Walker, MN; grandchildren Ginger Klein, Jessica (Brad) Warren, Vanessa (Dakotah) Walker, Joselyn Polries, Desiree (Andrew) Wildeman, Austin Richter, Payton Richter, Victoria Richter; great-grandchildren Brandt Klein, Tayla Wildeman, Brynley Wildeman, Zachary Wildeman, Howard Warren, Porter Warren; siblings Betty Nolz, John Richter, Catherine Eastham, Thomas Richter.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Clarence Richter, Adrian Richter, Lillian Cissell, Marion Boner, Teresa Theriault, Joseph Richter; grandson Collin Richter and great-grandson William Polries.

ROSARY SERVICE:

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2017, at 5:00PM

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

Monday, January 8, 2017, at 10:30AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, ND

BURIAL:

Carrington Cemetery, Carrington