Doris Irene Richter

Doris (Nibbe) Richter, a life long resident of Waukegan, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19th, 2025.

Born on January 26th, 1931, in Waukegan, Doris lived a life defined by love, family, and service to others. Doris attended Waukegan schools where she met her beloved husband, George “Eddie” Richter. They were married in December of 1952 and shared 61 wonderful years together. Doris and Eddie raised 4 children: Jeff, Randy, Rhonda, & Scott. Doris received a bachelors degree in education from Illinois State University in 1953 and then went on to teach Physical Education in Waukegan public schools for 16 years.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; her son, Jeffery; her daughter, Rhonda Wood; her daughter-in-law, Katy (Scott) Richter; her sister, Mary LaMaster-Stark; and her sister-in-law, Mary (Al) Nibbe.

Doris is lovingly remembered by her sons, Randall (Susan) Richter and Scott Richter; son-in-law, Rod (Rhonda) Wood; her grandchildren: Erin (Jeremy) Jorgensen, Romy (Enzo) DeCristofaro, Reggie (Hannah) Richter, Cathryn Richter (Graham Koch), Conrad (Ryan) Richter, Evan (Kennedy Burk) Richter, Ellen Richter, Bryte Wood, Rynn Wood, Forest (Erin O’Halloran) Richter; and her brother, Dr Albert Nibbe of Colorado.

Doris was also immensely proud of her 12 Great Grand Children: Molly & Jamie Jorgensen; Edea & Grace DeCristofaro; Nora & Ruby Richter; Theodore Koch; Aurora, Marigold, & Dahlia Richter; and Sloane & Silas Richter-O’Halloran.

In addition to her devotion to family, Doris lived a life of service volunteering for the YMCA’s Camp Jorn for over 40 years and serving on its board. It gave her joy to provide under-served youth with a camping experience in the great north woods. Doris was a dedicated volunteer for the Victory/Vista hospital system for over 45 years. Working the reception desk, the surgical lounge, delivering newspapers and flowers, calling the bingo games, as well as serving on their Public Education Committee. Doris volunteered with The American Cancer Society for 40 years and served on their board for 8 years. She often helped by driving cancer patients to their appointments. She coordinated and provided free quit smoking clinics for 30 years. Doris was a tour guide at the Lake County court house for 25 years and often led classrooms to sit in on actual court cases, believing it important to show them the consequences of drug and alcohol mis-use. Doris volunteered for the Bloomberg Blood Bank as a donor/recruiter for 5 years. Doris also volunteered as an election judge for many, many years.

Doris’s joy for life was evident in her love of games, especially cribbage and dominoes. The Richters regularly held spirited family gaming competitions, where laughter, good-natured teasing, and just a touch of friendly rivalry were always part of the fun.

Doris and Eddie were fortunate to travel much of Europe and North America on trips sponsored by State Farm, Eddies employer. They often took to wearing the same-colored coats, which was impressionable and somewhat adorable. They soon took to bringing their entire family on trips, creating a cherished tradition of family reunions in fun and interesting places. These reunions built an enduring sense of family connection through joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories based on loving times spent together.

Doris was the heart of the Richter family. Her warmth, generosity, and caring support for each individual will always be remembered. Her legacy lives on in the laughter shared at every family gathering, and in the bonds that she created, that continue to connect generations of family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, at the Bonnie Brook Golf Course Club House, 2800 N Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the celebration to follow. 

Donations of flowers are welcome, but in lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to The Camp Jorn YMCA.