Liberty County Times, 31 Jan 2001
John A. Richter, Sr.
John A. Richter, Sr., age 82, passed away Jan. 22, 2001 at a Havre Care Center of natural causes.
John was born June 3, 1918 to George and Margaret (Schwan) Richter at the family homestead at Alma Mountana, the second of 14 children. He was schooled in Alma. John was raised on the family farm, farmed with his father, and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. When his father passed away in 1938, John became, at the age of 19, literally the father of the family. He assumed all the responsibilities and debts of his father, which he worked diligently to repay. To do this, John worked at various jobs around the state, including railroad, oil fields, and a garage he opened in Sun River, Mont. On Sept. 30, 1942 he married Edna "June" Norenberg at Hingham, Mont. To this union six children were born. He and June bought a farm south of Gildford which they operated for several years. After selling the farm, John worked as a mechanic for the remainder of his working career. He worked at Lipp Motors in Hingham for 22 years, AC Supply in Havre and Great Falls for six years, and B&R Implement in Havre for five years. In 1977 Richter went into business for himself as Richter Farm Service in Havre, Mont., which he operated until 1988, when he retired due to medical reasons. John was considered by many to be the best mechanic in Northern Montana, and while operating his business he assisted Robert Bold in teaching diesel mechanics at Northern Montana College. At various times John's three youngest sons worked with him in the business before pursuing careers of their own. His younger brother Ray also worked for him for a short time.
John is survived by his wife, Edna of Havre; daughter, Shirley Clouse of Havre; four sons, John A., Jr. of Post Falls, Idaho; Russell of Lolo; Lee of Havre; Alvin of Petaluma, Calif.; two sisters, Francey Fraser of Joplin; Virginia Adams of Inverness; two brothers, Chris of Hingham; Frank of Joplin; ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.