Wallace Richter Obituary

Wallace (Wally) Elmer Richter, age 82, of Elkhart Lake (Greenville) Wisconsin, went peacefully to walk with Jesus while surrounded by family on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2:01 pm. Wally was the third of five children; he was born on May 13, 1943, son of the late Carl and Edna (Horneck) Richter.
Wally started his career working in IT for NCR Corporation, where he spent much of his time traveling back and forth from home to Dayton Ohio. He later retired, only to start working again as a PC Analyst for Thedacare, where he spent that time bragging about his family and later retired with his wife Beth.
Husband. Wally's greatest love in life was the one he found in Beth. From the moment these two met, it was apparent that the beginning of an indescribable love story was forming. Starting out as coworkers, Wally and Beth built an unbreakable foundation that would secure their marriage for an eternity. Friendship! Beth and Wally were more than just husband and wife; they were best friends. One of the most beautiful scenes to witness was these two laughing together; it was almost as if they spoke their own unwritten language. Expressing their vows to one another in the very living room where they created a home, their marriage was the perfect complement of two souls. Beth brought out Wally's best self. With her love, he grew to be more empathetic, calm-natured, patient, and thoughtful. Simultaneously, Wally also brought out Beth's greatest qualities by helping her find her voice, self-appreciation, and confidence. Known to close ones as WAB (Wally and Beth), a dynamic, inseparable partnership layered with genuine love, laughter, effort, and understanding was built. These two spent their time sharing common hobbies. Including countless rummage sales, auctions and estate sales– Wally and Beth are known for their love of all things vintage and antique. By simply admiring the walls of their home, their treasures are a display of the memories and moments spent together creating their collection. The wild side of this pairing illuminated as they would throw on their Harley Davidson leather to venture out on the motorcycle. Sharing a common sweet tooth, a trip out to "Pie-ola" was also a favorite spot of theirs to visit, where Wally would later feel guilty for eating four to six pieces of pie. While Wally had his garage, Beth had her craft room– each one radiating their unique creativity and spark for their passions. Wally and Beth were best friends to one another, but they were also dedicated, loyal friends to anyone who needed it. They offered a helping hand and were always willing to step-up and contribute. Throughout their life together, they were known to donate to and assist with multiple charities. Whether it be volunteering at a soup kitchen or visiting the Children's Hospital as Santa and Mrs. Claus– their selflessness and desire to help others always was evident. Wally and Beth also spent much of their life together raising their fur-baby, Mupsie– they had a whole kitchen cabinet dedicated to dog treats and toys for her. Their most cherished hobby, however, was dedicating as much time as they could to their family, friends, and loved ones. Grandpa Wally and Grandma Beth were known as fun grandparents. Their love for one another extended and embraced each family member and friend in a comforting, warm hug. Wally and Beth are home; it's as simple as that. Two soulmates that are a genuine testament to the magic of true love and companionship.
Father. Survived by his children (Daniel, Lisa, Anthony, Kelley, Erin), Wally was a dedicated and reliable father. Though this may not come as a surprise, growing up with Wallace as a dad was memorable and entertaining. Whether it be throwing his daughter, Lisa, in a snowbank when she would not get up for church, putting on 9,000+ miles with his eldest son, Daniel, riding motorcycles, or cooking family recipes with his youngest son, Anthony, for Ednapalooza – Wally exhibited his own, unique parenting style. The family viewed his fatherly nature as humorous, memorable, and authentically Wally. Daniel, Anthony, and Lisa reflect back on a childhood of ice fishing, hunting in Fence, Wally coaching softball, and car rides with their dad. When the kids would ask where they were going, Wally would respond with: "bux de hosen" (which translates to: "a kick in the pants") - Yet another "Wally-ism" that is proof of his original sense of humor. His kids also remember him by his unique taste of music– always singing the song "Tell Me A Story" that later went on to be a tradition with his grandkids as well. Wally was described as a father who was the life of the party, he was larger than life. Everyone wanted Wally around because he kept people entertained and laughing. As his children grew, Wally's presence and involvement in their lives continued to blossom as well. Even in adulthood, Wally was simply a phone call away- always willing to lend a helping hand or dish out his valued life-advice when needed. His conversations were so meaningful, influential, and special that his stepdaughter, Kelley, will never forget the words "play the hand you're dealt" that Wally once told her. His other stepdaughter, Erin, remembers Wally for his eager willingness to love her own children as a part of his family, taking them under his wing as his own grandchildren. His daughter, Lisa, remarks that Wally never wanted to be a lecturer. She notes: "He never told us what to do. Instead, he would tell us a story and challenge us to do the right thing". This quality is one of many that mirrors that of Wally's father, Carl. Wally loved all his children with utter selflessness. Without hesitation, he continuously put his children's well-being and families before his own. Wally was always willing to help others before helping himself. Whether it was a clogged bathroom drain, babysitting the grandkids or his grand dog Louie for a while, or assisting in a garage project– Wally was the dad you could count on and call. A jack of all trades, a man who always had the answers and made things better, happier, and brighter. He was the best Dad anyone could have ever asked for.
Grandpa. Wally's proudest aspect of his life were his grandchildren (Mattea, Dylan, Lainie, Hailey, Kylie, Lexie). Anyone could tell by the way his eyes lit up when he talked about them that his love for his grandkids was unwavering, unconditional, and genuine. Wally was frequently known to brag about his grandchildren to whoever would listen. His favorite topic of conversation was updates on the kids – his pride for them radiating. Wally was a special Grandfather– who went above and beyond to be present in all of their lives. Whether it was swim meets, band concerts, baseball/softball/basketball or volleyball games, gymnastics practices, graduation ceremonies, first communions, confirmations, etc., Grandpa Wally was always front and center. He was the biggest supporter, encourager, and cheerleader. He believed his grandchildren could accomplish anything they set their minds to. He kept his grandkids laughing with his "Wally-isms" and made-up vocabulary. Grandpa Dupieolous (a word he invented) was known to use the word 'Fantastic' when asked how he was doing. He believed that if you told people, you were fantastic, they would smile and realize their lives are fantastic too. If you say you're fantastic, you will be fantastic. That, as well as his famous remark, "Oh, that way!" are a few of his many trademark phrases we remember him by. However, what the grandkids loved most about Wally- were the little moments spent with him. Little moments added up to create the most meaningful memories. Watching a Western with him as he sat in his comfy red recliner. Handing him a screwdriver as he worked on a project in his garage. Eating dozens of Great Grandma's donuts with him at Ednapalooza. Playing a card game with him (where he secretly would lose on purpose). Exploring a rummage sale where he would buy whatever the grandkids wanted. Four-wheeling through the land and sitting atop his tractors. Looking forward to him picking them up from school. Begging, although it did not take much convincing, for another ice cream date. Running through his house and playing with all of his antique collectibles and treasures. It was evident that his favorite role in his life was that of being a grandfather. His life-advice, helping hand, encouraging nature, and ability to listen and understand are a few of his many qualities that made him the most remarkable, irreplaceable Grandpa. Each grandchild will carry a special aspect of Grandpa Wally in their hearts for the rest of their lives. His spark for life, sense of humor, calming presence, compassionate nature, and unconditional love will live on through his prides and joys: the grandchildren.
Wally is survived by his loving Wife and Best Friend, Beth Richter; Children; Dan Richter (Elizabeth Figueroa), Lisa Arndt (JP Jedwabny), Anthony (Stacy) Richter; Kelley Hinton (John Marzullo) and Erin (Jason) Schroeder; Grandchildren; Mattea Arndt, Hailey, Kylie, Lexie Richter, Dylan and Lainie Schroeder, Jade and Logan Jedwabny, Petey, Eli, Helena, Caleb and Giovanni. Brothers and Sisters: Carl Jr. Richter (Mary Belleville) of Oregon, WI, Jo Ann Harms of Howards Grove, and Diane (Richard) Ninnemann of Howards Grove, Sister in law Heather (Brian) Roehrborn, Brother in law, Todd (Marcy) Voss, Brother in law Len Shelton, Mother to his children Marie (Richard) VanSchyndel and many loving relatives and numerous friends.
He was greeted in heaven by Jesus and his parents, Carl and Edna Richter, Father in law Carlton Voss, Brother and sister in law Clarence (Elvira) Richter of Elkhart Lake; Sister in law Joyce Richter (Niece Debbie) Brother in law John Harms (great niece Jordin Koenig), Sister in law Kathleen Shelton, Brother in law Carl Voss; Special Uncle Eddie (Vera) Woepse, Furry Companion Mupsie, Best friend and Partner in Crime Clifford Conrad, and other loving relatives and numerous friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brewster Village and Thedacare for the love and care he received in the weeks leading up to his passing.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at Christus Lutheran Church, N1915 Julius Drive, Greenville, WI 54942, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. with a service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, and for those wanting to donate in honor of Wallace, please consider making a monetary donation to the "Service Ministry Projects" at Christus Church (envelopes will be at the service), a special ministry Beth and Wally were so dedicated to. As Jesus said, "Feed my Sheep." John 21:17c (NRSV)
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