John Paul Richter, always a prankster and perpetual partner in mischief left this world with most fitting timing on October 31st, 2026.
John was born to Ishmael Peter Richter and Margaret Regina Neff Richter on July 23rd, 1943 in Boscobel, WI. He grew up as the second child and first surviving male sibling in a family of 7 children. Their log cabin home, devoid of plumbing, sheltered a raucous and loving family. John learned young, alongside his siblings, to work hard and play hard, being key contributors to their family, milking cows, caring for the farm, and bringing in the tobacco and other harvests.
When in the 8th grade at Blue River school, John met Sandra Mathews, a beautiful redhead who became his life’s companion. They treasure their Blue River classmates and friends, continuing to join school reunions and parties to this day. After graduating in 1962, John apprenticed as a plumber, eventually becoming a master plumber and having a broad career in both residential and industrial plumbing, largely in Grant, Crawford, and LaCrosse counties.
John and Sandra were married on June 6th, 1964. Between June of 1965 and January of 1979, 4 children swelled their family. They finally welcomed a son, John as the fourth, providing Dad a much longed for male pal.
John and Sandra provided the ideal home, full of love, support, and encouragement. They consistently modeled for their children the duty to not only love one another but to prioritize the well-being of neighbors, friends, and strangers. John’s legacy is one of trust and caring towards all people.
John was the consummate outdoor dad, fishing, ice skating, sledding, and hunting alongside the kids. He loved his years playing softball with the Steuben Bumblebees and following his children and grandchildren through their youth and adult sports and activities. He cherished a Euchre game with his grandchildren. No quarter was given. They earned every victory.
John served for many years on the Wauzeka-Steuben School Board. He loved an adventure, traveling twice to Alaska and across the country on multiple adventures with his family in a self-outfitted Partridge Family-style bus. When a fabulous group of new friends from the Chicago region founded the Steuben lodge, John and Sandy welcomed them to the community with open arms. Dad’s 4th of July celebrations were epic. He never found a firework too large or dangerous to light up.
He had an engineer’s mind and could repair anything. He supported his family, friends, and neighbors with their plumbing, home maintenance, and gardening challenges expertly until the end of his days. His was a life very well lived in service to others.
John was preceded in death by an infant brother; his parents; his sister Margaret Baumeister; brother Mr. Tom Richter; brothers-in-law Joe Studnicka, Bruce Nikolas, and Dick Bartels; and sisters-in-law Sue Welsh Richter and Kathy Richter. He lovingly cared for many pets through the years, with dogs Hank and Cooper having special places in his heart.
He is survived by his wife Sandra; siblings Bill (Donna) Richter, Kay Bartles, Gloria Nikolas, and Deb (Carl) Dominic; children Cynde (Greg) Larsen; Jackie (Scot) Harvey; Tammie Richter (Ron Mara), and John (Joanna) Richter; and sister-in-law Cheryle (Eddie) Goplin. John leaves 7 grandchildren Elizabeth (Charles) Faye, Maigan (Brennen) Glass; Jessie (Jeff) Stangeland; Maya Harvey (Anthony Marks); and Brian, Luke, and Andrew Richter; and 11 great-grandchildren – Marcel, Yvon, and Evangeline Faye; Lennon and Maxwell Glass; Benjamin, Abella, Aubree, and Karli Stangeland; and Harvey and Carley Marks; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Per John’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. Please honor his memory and spirit by spreading a little fun and mischief with those you love, and by extending trust and love to those you do not yet know as friends. For a person who did not participate regularly in organized worship, John was one of the most Christ-like people we have had the privilege of knowing. We are grateful to him for demonstrating what it means to be an exceptional person.
