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BORN

1952

DIED

2012

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Steve Richter Obituary

Steve Richter

Granger

Steve Richter, 59, of Granger, IA, went on his next adventure to meet God, Thursday, April 26, after a valiant battle against cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends, and was supported by his army of cancer warriors across the world.

Steve grew up on the farm outside Truesdale, IA, showing hogs for FFA and cruising with friends from AC-T high school. After graduating high school, he served in the Army in Korea. He worked as a tool and die maker early in his career and then went back to school, graduating from Iowa State with a BS in Agricultural Engineering and later with an MBA from Drake. Steve worked as an engineer for several manufacturing companies throughout his career and retired from John Deere Des Moines Works.

He had an exuberant passion for bicycling, pedaling along on over 20 RAGBRAI's, and brought many friends along for the rides. Steve was also an accomplished woodworker and loved to spend time in his studio workshop. In recent years, Steve was an example to all, family, friends, and fellow cancer survivors, of how to live strong. His positive attitude and enduring faith inspired those around him. Everyone will miss his smile, his encouragement, and his friendship.

Many people will carry Steve in their hearts and minds, including his wife of 30 years, Patricia Schroeder; daughter, Charlotte Lewin and husband, Tom; son, Riley; daughter, Kaylee; sister, Linda Fassler and husband, David; brothers, Tom and Jon Richter, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Charlotte and Clarence Richter; his sister, Sharon Fassler; and his brother, Jim Richter.

Steve and his family were appreciative of the incredible medical support from Dr. Deming, Dr. Tannir, Dr. Morton, and their staffs during his treatment.

His family will welcome friends for a visitation at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, IA, on Monday, April 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Presbyterian in Johnston, IA, on Tuesday, May 1, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Lincoln Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kidney Cancer Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Apr. 28 to Apr. 30, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Richter

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Bike Country

May 1, 2012

We will miss Steve's smile. When visiting us, he never showed that he had a stressful day. In fact Steve would brighten our day with his visits. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Richter family.

Patty (Hartje) Ciechanowski

May 1, 2012

Patti - I'm so sorry for your loss. Steve and I were classmates and we had recently reconnected through Facebook. He suggested meeting for coffee since we learned we just lived across the bridge from each other. I'm sorry we never got the chance to do that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Richard and Susan Pearson

May 1, 2012

It was with great sadness that we learned of Steve's passing. He always took on life with a smile. His courage and determination are an inspiration to all who knew him. Our thoughts,prayers, and condolences are with you today as we say goodbye. Long may you ride Steve, Long may you ride.

Ralph and Angela Wiley

April 30, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your Husband, your Dad, your Brother or your Uncle.We extend our deepest sympathy. A cousin.

Deanna Ingalls

April 30, 2012

Even though we didn't know personally we did know his sister Linda and husband Dave. The family has our deepest sympathy. May God give you the peace and understanding to heal the hurt of your loss, but you still will always have all the memories of Steve.
Rex and Dee Ingalls

April 30, 2012

Thoughts and prayers for your family Patti. I enjoyed working with Steve in many capacities at church. Godspeed Steve!

Jay Griffel

April 28, 2012

Patti

Sorry to hear about Steve, I know some of his best times where when you guys came up to Alaska, it was along time ago but when I saw you guys last year, that was the first words that he talked about. I hope all is well with you.
Jay and Jane

April 28, 2012

Patti, Steve was the greatest cousin. I'm sorry he won't be calling for ISU tickets. He sure will be missed. Love, Bill and Mary Lanphere

Kris (Meseck) Wester

April 28, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Steve. I will always remember his smile! My deepest sympathy to his family.

Gary & Julie Hogrefe

April 27, 2012

We are so thankful for the love and laughter Steve brought to our lives. He has touched the hearts of so many and even when weak was giving us strength with his strong belief and faith in the better life that awaits us all. We thank God for blessing our lives with a truly dear friend.
Our love & prayers to Patti and family.

Heidi Wych

April 27, 2012

My heart goes out to you and your family, Patti. It was an honor knowing Steve and sharing biking experiences. I will never forget all the help he gave me in helping me get started on RAGBRAI. His positive attitude and courageous strength during his battle are an inspiration to everyone.

Ed Wegele

April 27, 2012

I am sorry to hear of the death of Steve! I will remember his willingness to help and support our youth group at St Paul while I served there. His kind spirit made me feel welcome and he and Patti's trust of me to pick up the kids, bring them home from youth events, and trusting us to go on mission trips was greatly appreciated. I am saddened and pray for Patti and the kids as they mourn his death and pray that God's grace and love wash over them in this season of loss.

Rev. Ed Wegele

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

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