David F. Richter

David F. Richter

David Richter Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 8, 2011.
Richter, David F. Age 35, of Zimmerman, passed away July 3, 2011. Preceded in death by mother and one brother. Survived by wife, Elizabeth; sons, Chase (9) and Owen (4); father Larry (Ilse); brothers, Tim (Larissa)and Steve (Britta). Funeral Service at Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3501 Aldrich Ave So., Mpls on Monday, July 11th at 11 A.M. Visitation at Aldrich Church on Sunday, July 10 from 5-7 P.M. Memorials to the Richter family preferred in lieu of flowers. Online guestbook at Legacy.com

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July 13, 2011

Aaron Nicklay posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2011

Charlotte Haught posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2011

Debi Jacobson posted to the memorial.

Aaron Nicklay

July 13, 2011

I met Dave when we were both in 2nd grade in Eden Prairie, I was a new transfer student from Minneapolis and I wasn't fitting in all that well, when someone, a teacher I think, told me to partner with Dave on something or other because they thought we would get along. I wish I could remember that teacher, she was right, and I'd thank her if I could.

The next ten years were always entertaining,whatever else happened, Dave and I had a lot of fun. It got to be even rowdier fun when Keith Evans got involved in middle school.

There are so many great memories that I've thought of this past week since the funeral. I remember when I cut his hair in class in third grade because he was giving me a hard time about something, so he told the teacher and we both landed in trouble somehow. I remember dodging bullies and trying to survive junior high together. Dave never seemed to be bothered by any of those guys, he accepted everyone, never had a bad word to say about anyone else, and if someone didn't like or accept him, he simply ignored them, with no thought to taking it personally at all; something I struggled to emulate. But he was always there to be a friend and support me when I felt like there wasn't anyone else around.

In high school, I remember the four years we spent with the marching band and some of the places we played; the Super Bowl 26 pre game show, the World Series game 7 pre game show in '91, and a lot of regional competitions. All of which involved a lot of hanging around in large buildings waiting for stuff to happen or long bus rides. Dave always had a deck of cards in his trumpet case and was more than willing to teach anyone a game he called Egyptian Rat Screw. I think he made that up, I've never heard it since.

I remember running around causing trouble, in his Ford Fairlane (before the transmission fell out on Valley View road, or in his dad's dodge caravan with the wood panel sides, or in my rusty old buick. Dave was the only guy I've ever known who backed through a Burger King drive through so that Keith and I could unload our super soakers on our friend Andy Heikes who was working the window one night. Dave moved that van in reverse faster than some people went forward. He drove like a madman, and he never blinked playing chicken. He would thread the needle of the one lane railroad bridge on Old Indian Chief Road at top speed in the dark. He drove too fast, cornered too hard, and would always try and unerve you as a passenger, and then mock you with just one or two small comments and a shake of the head.

Dave was my best friend growing up and we were never too far apart and then something strange happened, without really realizing it, we both hit the big wide world after High School, and found it to be full of cool stuff we had never seen and opportunities for greater shenanigans with less adult supervision. And we started to forget to call. One of the last times I actually saw Dave, I cruised down to Luther from LaCrosse and we went out for beers and several too many later over a few hours, I finally tried to get back home, with promises to get together again really soon. But then we lost track of each other altogether (a casualty of the pre cell phone world) and it was 5 or 6 years before I found him again managing the Big 10 in Hopkins, but I was just passing through town and we didn't have much time so we said our hi's and goodbyes and that was that.

There were a great many things I learned from Dave as a friend on how to live, and how to be a friend, how to take chances, how to be yourself regardless of everyone around you. How to accept everyone no matter what. I'm afraid that the last lesson I've learned from Dave, is that you should always keep better track of your best friends. This is the second one I've lost too soon, and I wish that Dave and I had the chance to at least stay in touch a little better these past 13 years as well as we did the 12 or so before that. I'd really have liked to have seen him get married and hear about having kids I wish I could have said thanks for everything, and I wish I could have said good bye.

To Liz and Chase and Owen, I am so very sorry for your loss, there are no words that can help you through the days, months, and years ahead, but if there is ever a time when I can help by telling you about growing up with Dave, I would be honored to tell you what how he became the great man that he was.

To Steve, Tim, and Mr Richter, again I am so sorry for your loss and so thankful that you always welcomed me into your home when we were kids. Dave always treasured his family time, and even when it was cool or would have been easy to, he never complained about or left out his brothers, or his parents. You all were a big part of his life, even at a time when many of us were trying to put distance between us and our families. Dave again set a strong example of how we should have been behaving.

Finally, to Dave, because I know you are listening, as you always did, I wanted to tell you that the friendship I shared with you and Keith was important to me above all others and I can't thank you enough, it got at least me through the toughest parts of my life so far just knowing you were my friend and I could count on you. Travel well my friend, all your burdens are behind you now, and I will see you in the next life.

Charlotte Haught

July 12, 2011

Liz - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember how fondly you always spoke about Dave. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Debi Jacobson

July 11, 2011

When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an Angel and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really to away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up the grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime when they're supposed to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing wind songs, they whisper to us, "don't miss me too much. The view is nice, and I am doing just fine."

Liz, Chase and Owen
A friend gave me this poem when Alicia died and I read it over and over again. My hope is you someday can find some peace and comfort in this poem.
Love and prayers to you ~

Rachel & Adam Matlock

July 10, 2011

Our deepest condolences... There are no words to express the sadness we felt with the news of Dave. May your hearts heal swiftly and your memories never fade. Remember all the love, laughter, and the happiness you shared. Remember Dave will be with you always in the love of your family.

Steve De Bella

July 10, 2011

So sad to hear this news. Dave was a great guy and I am better for having worked with him and called him friend.

Stephanie McNair

July 8, 2011

My heart and many prayers go out to the Richter family and all who were blessed to know Dave. He was truly a wonderful man and an incredible person. I will always remember his laughter and his smile. I wish I could give him one more bear hug! The McNair family misses him greatly!

July 8, 2011

All my symapthy and prayers to the Richter famuly. Dave was a great guy and will be missed dearly.

July 8, 2011

All my sympathy and prayers to the Richter family. Dave was a great guy and will be missed dearly.

Bud and Sandy Rader

July 8, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to all of the Richter family. We've known David since the day he was born and we know that he will be missed. His mother will welcome him home with open arms.

Keith Evans

July 8, 2011

Dave was one of my best friends in junior high and through out high school and you could not find a better friend then him. I am a better person for having known him and for what he taught me about friendship and loyalty. I'll miss you Dave.

Nathan Scofield

July 8, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Dave was a great guy and I consider it an honor to have known him since day one.

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Sign David Richter's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 13, 2011

Aaron Nicklay posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2011

Charlotte Haught posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2011

Debi Jacobson posted to the memorial.