Dr. Michael J. Richter M.D.

GLENDALE, Wis. - Former Great Falls resident Michael J. Richter, M.D., 47, a family practice physician, died April 18 after being struck by a motorist while walking his dog.
Services took place April 21 at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Whitefish Bay, Wis.
Mike entered into the fullness of Eternal Life following a devastating accident on April 18, 2009. While walking his beloved family dog on a beautiful Saturday morning, Mike was struck by a vehicle that lost control due to a man suffering from a heart condition.
He was the best friend and beloved husband of Julie (née Lenz) and cherished father of Katherine,14, Jane, 13, and Beth Christensen of Enumclaw, Wash.; his stepmother, Helen Richter of Big Sandy; a sister, Jan (Stan) Holmquist of Bozeman; three brothers, Ric (Jane) Richter of Tucson, Ariz., Rhett (Pearl) Richter of Glendive, and Doug (Sarah) Richter of St. Paul, Minn.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Vaughn; his father, Vern Richter; and a brother, Clark.
Mike was born in Havre. He attended Sunnyside Elementary School in Havre before moving to Big Sandy with his family. He graduated from Big Sandy High School and then attended Dawson Community College in Glendive, where he played basketball for the Buccaneers. After receiving his degree from Dawson, he continued his collegiate education at the College of Great Falls. He also continued his passion for basketball while in Great Falls and played two years for the Argos.
He then went on to fulfill his lifelong dream and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, finishing his residency at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee. He cherished his staff and the 13 years he spent as a family physician at the Glendale Clinic. For the past two years, he was a family practice physician at Aurora Health Care. Mike was a dedicated doctor who loved his work and had a deep compassion for his patients, who will remember his warm, kind, and gentle presence. His charm, combined with his keen medical sense, made him a favorite doctor.
Mike was passionate about his family and his friends. He will be forever remembered for his bear hugs, his ability to appreciate a good meal, and for placing the needs of others above his own. He had a hearty laugh, and his 6'5' stature made him larger than life. Basketball was another love - he coached both of his daughters at St. Monica Catholic Grade School in Whitefish Bay and was assistant varsity coach at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. When not doting on his wife and daughters, Mike loved a good game of golf, great music, or pick-up basketball with his cherished friends. At home, he was always in the company of the adored family dog, Gymmie, who accompanied him in death.
The family asks that memorials be made to the Michael J. Richter Memorial Trust, c/o Marshall and Ilsley Bank, 177 East Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. The trust established will be used for his girls' education, as well as distributed to Mike's favorite charities.
Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.