Wallace Darold Richter

MANKATO - Wallace Darold Richter, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024, at the age of 87, at his cabin on Strawberry Lake near Ogema, Minnesota. Born on November 10, 1936, in Pleasant Mound Township, Minnesota, to Harold and Loretta (Altenberg) Richter, Wally led a life marked by devotion to his family, relationships with friends, and service to his country.

Wally graduated from Garden City High School in 1954. After graduation, he honorably served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Upon his return, he began working at the Trimont Coop in Trimont, Minnesota. During this time, Wally developed a love for Strawberry Lake, which became his second home for the rest of his life. 

Wally met the love of his life, Phyllis Flohrs at Trimont. They married on  October 17, 1959, built a home there and started their lives together. In the 1960's he worked for American Cyanamid in Ormsby, Minnesota. 

Wally furthered his education at Mankato Vocational School, earning a degree in civil technology in 1970. He and Phyllis then moved their family to Mankato, Minnesota where they presently reside. While in Mankato, Wally worked as a Civil Engineer for the City of Mankato, from which he retired in 1998 after 28 years of service. 

Wally was a man of faith, baptized and confirmed in his youth (at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Vernon Center). He and his wife, Phyllis, were long-time members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Galena Township and later Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato.

Wally was passionate about attending his grandchildren's events, fishing for walleyes, and woodworking—having built 90 log cabin birdhouses for special people and organizations in his life. He enjoyed playing solitaire on the computer, reading old western novels, and home remodeling. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Post No. 11 in Mankato.

Wally was a cherished figure in his community, known for his fantastic sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his ability to make everyone feel like part of his family. He was loved and adored by many, including his grand-dogs, who enjoyed many peaceful moments on his lap.

He leaves his wife of nearly 65 years, Phyllis (Flohrs) Richter of Mankato; children, Ron (Tyana) Richter of Mankato, Ross (Val) Richter of Morristown, Todd Richter of Glendale, Arizona, and Kristin (Scott) Dauk of Madison Lake; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Doug (Joni) Richter of Fairmont, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, many loyal friends and extended family members. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Loretta Richter; his in-laws, LeRoy and Nell Flohrs; and several additional in-laws.

Visitation will be held at Woodland Hills Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 24, from 4-7 pm, and at Hosanna Lutheran Church on Thursday, July 25, from 10-11 am. The funeral service will commence at 11 am at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato. Military honors and refreshments will follow the service. After a time of fellowship, burial will take place at Woodland Hills Cemetery in Mankato. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ECHO Food Shelf or Habitat for Humanity. Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato, Minnesota, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Wally will be remembered for the heart he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly.