Norman A. Richter, Sr., of Huntley, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013.
He was born October 23, 1924 in Chicago, the son of John & Pauline (Eisinger) Richter. During high school he was a caddy at the Tom O’Shanter Country Club in Niles and had the privilege of caddying for golf professional, Bryon Nelson who won the Chicago Open on 1941. He was a graduate of Carl Schurz High School in 1942 and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp that December and served in the South Pacific area of Japan during WWII. He and his wife Jeannie, were married on May 22, 1948 and had nine beautiful children. He was employed with Illinois Bell Telephone Company from 1947 until his retirement in 1987, holding many different positions from installer repairman to supervisor of building maintenance. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley, had been a scoutmaster at St. Mary School in Elgin, a Little League baseball coach for many years and had done other volunteer work at schools, churches and Elgin YMCA where he was an instructor in physical fitness. He enjoyed playing golf, baseball, handball, swimming, physical workouts and traveling. Woodworking was his favorite hobby. He especially enjoyed helping others, loved God, Country and most of all his family. He served as a Minister of Care for Catholic Churches in Elgin, volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital in the chapel assisting Fr. D. Cassidy with services.
Norman is survived by his wife, Jeannie, his children, Norman (Gina) Richter Jr., Robert (Bonnie) Richter, Susan (Jerry) Kuta, Karen (Dave) Kolbaska, Kenneth (Michelle) Richter, Linda Schofield & Mary (Mike) Crandall, 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Lawrence & William.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3rd , at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley and from 12:30 until the time of Mass at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 4th at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road Huntley. Burial will take place later in St. Charles Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Huntley or the American Cancer Society.
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Dear Richters, we are so sorry for your loss. Norm was a true gentleman who enjoyed people and life and he always had a nice smile. Norm will be missed. He is with God now. With Sympathy, Gary and Cathy Krewer
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy. It's been some time since I last saw your dad ... I remember that he always had a smile on his face ... our very best to you all. Larry and Pat White
Our prayers are with your family.
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. He was always so upbeat when us guys would come over to hang out during our high school years. He even sometimes joined us in playing basketball and baseball. Those are some fond memories we will always have.
To All the Richter Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad – "SENIOR." He truly was one of the greats. I can honestly say that as long as I can remember, from being a little-league kid, and especially as an adult Raccoon, I could glance over to the bleachers, and see him rooting, not only for his kids on the field, but for the entire team – whether it was a win or a loss. He was one of our strongest supporters and loyal fans. I never saw him without those gentle and happy eyes, his kind smile, and that classic Richter giggle laugh. It was obvious that he was a happy soul and very-very proud of his family. You all are extremely lucky and blessed to have him as your father. One quick story I want to share with you. I don't recall what year it was, but SENIOR was in the hospital (I believe it was at the old Sherman hospital). We just finished an important Raccoon victory, and we 3 brothers: Mike (#20 Porky), Chick (#22 Square-Boy), and myself (#21 the Dream) went to see him directly after the game in our Raccoon uniforms and spikes. We certainly got a lot of looks from the hospital staff walking through the halls to find his room, but didn't care. We wanted SENIOR to hear the news directly rather than read a clipping in the paper. Despite whatever your dad was in for, or any pain and discomfort he was feeling, when we walked into the room he immediately sat up in his bed, and with a sparkle in his eyes said, "How Did You Guys Do?" After we told him about the victory, he lit up like a candle, and we all had a great chat about the game. He did everything but jump up and down on the bed. You would have never guessed he was sick, and we were all hopeful and glad to see that our brief visit seemed to make him feel a bit better. Looking back, his enthusiasm reminded me of Dennis Hopper's role as Shooter in the movie "Hoosiers" when, from his hospital room, listening to the Philco radio, he heard his small team Hickory defeat the much larger and favored South Bend for the 1952 Indiana high school state championship. It was an honor to know your dad. He will truly be missed, and never forgotten! With our deepest sympathies, Dann and Jeanne Sarro
Norm, Our prayers are with you and the family. Senior was one of the nicest and kindest persons we ever had the pleasure to meet. I personally remember fondly his usual greeting at the Elgin St. Marys... Norman A. Richter here. Prayers and love to all. Terry
Dear Jean and the entire Richter family, We were so privileged to have your parents as neighbors for over 15 years. You helped shape Pam & I and were also a great influence for our kids, Katie, Stacy, and Jeff. They are doing well and you are partly responsible for that, for which we are eternally grateful. Best wishes from our family during this difficult time. We love you all greatly, Love, Steve, Pam, Katie, Stacy & Jeff Michel