James D. "Jim" Richter

1940 - 2024

James D. "Jim" Richter

James "Jim" D. Richter, 83, of Kearney, died February 10, 2024 at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, February 20, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Art Faesser officiating. Burial will follow the service at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, February 19, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church with a wake service at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church or Kearney Catholic High School Foundation. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was born June 5, 1940 in Kearney to Lawrence and Violet (Theis) Richter. He graduated from Kearney High School in 1958 and attended Kearney State College.

Jim married Jennifer "Jeni" Wiseman February 11, 1961 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. They lived on a farm north of Kearney, where he enjoyed farming for many years.

Jim's journey began at Good Samaritan Hospital, where in a tale as humble as it is endearing, his parents settled his hospital bill with chickens. Fate smiled upon Jim and Jeni at the Buffalo County Fair during their teenage years, laying the foundation for a love story that spanned decades.

Throughout his life, Jim remained a steadfast supporter of 4-H, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. He and his cousin Kenny were inseparable fixtures at tractor pulls, spending countless afternoons tinkering with their machines in pursuit of victory.

At just 18, Jim acquired his first farm, igniting a lifelong love affair with agriculture. Despite facing physical challenges, Jim's determination knew no bounds. He ingeniously adapted his farm equipment, allowing him to continue the work he cherished.

Ever the devoted family man, Jim was a fixture at every event his children and grandchildren participated in. Whether it was a dance recital, band practice, or sporting event, you could count on Jim to be there, gleefully munching on popcorn.

A natural jokester, Jim had an endless arsenal of humor, always ready to share a joke or pull a prank to bring laughter to those around him.

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member. Jim liked woodcarving, playing cards, and antique cars. Jim had a group of friends that played cards every Tuesday and nothing got in the way of this card playing, any appointments had to be "Not on a Tuesday".

Jim is survived by his son, Jeff and Cindi Richter of Kearney; daughters, Julie and Mark Kyriss of Bellevue, Jeanette and Rob Greer of Lincoln; grandchildren, Matthew and Melissa Kyriss, Laura Kyriss and husband Kevin Arp, Sammy and Collin Post, Isaac and Mikaela Richter, Rachel and Kyle Andersen, Christian Richter, Eli Richter; great granddaughter, Adalyn Richter; brothers, James and Jean Richter of Council Bluffs, IA, Rick and DeAnn Richter of Ft. Collins, CO; sisters, Pat and Floyd Reinhardt of Centennial, CO, Sally Schulte of Omaha, NE; and brother-in-law Virgil Spellman of Kearney, NE.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters, Karen Clark and Linda Spellman, and two brothers-in-law, Dick Clark and Jim Schulte.