May 2025
Rev. E.W. Richter passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Pastor Eldor William “Rick” Richter was born on the Feast of Epiphany, January 6, 1932, in Lewiston, Minnesota.
He was the youngest of five children born to Herman W. and Augusta (Janzow) Richter. He grew up in rural America, learning at an early age that perseverance and taking responsibility were necessary to meet the challenges of life. He also developed an appreciation for God’s creation and participated in sports and activities that allowed him to enjoy the great outdoors.
Pastor Richter received his elementary education at Immanuel Lutheran School in Lewiston, Minnesota. He continued his education at Concordia Junior College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Upon graduation, he entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954. His vicarage training was at St. John the Divine Lutheran Church in South Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the Seminary in 1957 with a Master of Divinity degree.
On September 2, 1956, Pastor Richter and his beloved Mary Annette Nagy were united in Holy Matrimony. The Lord blessed them with three dearly loved daughters: Faith Marie, Hope Suzanne, and Beth Janine.
Pastor Richter accepted his first Call to serve as Missionary-at-Large and Pastor of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Doraville, Georgia, where he was also ordained a Lutheran (LCMS) Minister of the Gospel. Throughout his ministry, he also served Bethany Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minnesota; Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita, Iowa; Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa; and Hope Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1989, Pastor Richter accepted the Call to be Senior Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
By the grace of God, Pastor Richter faithfully served in ministry to God’s people for 40 years and an additional 17 years during his semi-retirement where he assisted the pastoral ministry at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Surviving Pastor Richter is his wife, Mary; their daughters: Faith, Hope (son-in-law Keith Chapman), and Beth; grandchildren: Grant Chapman (Emily), Reid Chapman, and Rose Richter in addition to many (grand) nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life worship service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60194. Visitation will be held prior to the service at St. Peter from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Committal will follow at the church cemetery site.
The funeral service will be live streamed at https://www.stpeterlcms.org/worship/live-stream-worship.
In lieu of flowers, memorial/donations may be gifted in support of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (csl.edu), The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org) and/or Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org).
*Clergy are invited to process wearing Easter vestments. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the service.