Delaire Richter

Delaire "Larry" Edwin Richter, 84, passed away on August 4, 2025, in Barstow, California. Born on June 14, 1941, in Hazen, North Dakota, Larry was the son of Edwin and Helen (Anderson) Richter. He was raised on a dairy and crop farm eight miles north of Hazen alongside his siblings Shirley, Joyce, and Rodney. Baptized and confirmed at English Lutheran Church in Hazen, Larry's early years were shaped by faith, family, and hard work.

Larry graduated from Hazen High School in 1959, commuting in his beloved 1952 Chevy. After high school, he pursued his passion for electronics through correspondence courses with DeVry Technical Institute, earning a certificate that would guide much of his professional life.

Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served two tours of duty with assignments that took him across the globe to Okinawa, Germany, Vietnam, and various stateside locations. He left the Army as a Specialist, having applied his talents in electronics throughout his military career. Though Larry rarely spoke about his service, he once shared with his niece Michelle that he appreciated quiet gestures of gratitude extended to veterans-even if accepting them personally felt difficult.

Following his military service, Larry worked for Goldstone Deep Space Communications before joining Santa Fe Railroad, where he remained until retirement. In 1974, he opened Lil Engine and Chainsaw Shop in Barstow-a business that reflected both his technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

It was in Barstow that Larry met the love of his life, Virgie DeLois. They married in 1971 and built a life together rooted in mutual respect and affection. For 54 years they shared laughter and companionship-often joking about their matching initials: Delaire and DeLois Richter. Larry fondly recalled brushing Lois's long red hair during her first visit to the family farm in Hazen-a tender act that spoke volumes about their bond.

Larry cherished time with family and friends. He enjoyed morning coffee chats at local restaurants with friends and kept close connections through phone calls, texts, and emails. A lifelong enthusiast of electronics, Larry embraced the computer age from its earliest days in the 1960s and continued to explore new technologies well into his later years.

He loved entertaining visiting family members in California-especially memorable was a day at a park in Victorville filled with mini golf, bumper water cars, and hearty laughter. Quick road trips to see nearby family were common; Larry and Lois welcomed any opportunity to share a meal or conversation with loved ones. Though not fond of flying-an irony given that "Delaire" means "of the air"-he made regular drives back to North Dakota during warmer months to visit the family farm.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, DeLois; children Jody and her sons Sean, Joel, and Mitchell Leahy; Johnny and his sons Tyson and Dustin Brummett; Julie and her daughters Shadir and Michelle Welker; brother Rodney; brother-in-law Charles Cummings; nephews Jason, Bradley, Nathan Richter, Nels Degn; nieces Michelle Cummings, Kirsten Degn; as well as numerous grandchildren and extended family members who carry forward his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Edwin Richter; sisters Shirley (Richter) Degn and Joyce Richter Cummings; brother-in-law Roy Degn; nephew Michael Cummings; and son-in-law Michael Welker.

In accordance with Larry's wishes, no formal service will be held. He will be cremated and laid to rest at Mt. View Cemetery in Barstow, California.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the medical staff and caregivers who supported Larry during his final days-including daughter Julie Welker-for their tireless dedication and compassion.

As we bid farewell to Delaire "Larry" Edwin Richter, we do so with deep gratitude for a life marked by service, resilience, humor, curiosity, and love. Memories of him will continue to surface-in a favorite saying or song, a shared story around the table, or the hum of an engine being repaired.

Though sorrow is deep, so too is our appreciation for what has been shared. Grief is the echo of love-a testament to bonds that even death cannot sever.

May we honor Larry's memory by being gentle with one another, generous with our time, steadfast in hope-and always ready for a good conversation over coffee or a spontaneous road trip to see someone we love.

In loving memory-we say thank you-for every moment shared with Delaire "Larry" Edwin Richter.