William Richter
November 21st, 1942 - January 2nd, 2023
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William's Obituary
William A. “Bill/Billy/Willy” Richter, 80, of Stevensville, departed this life on Monday, January 2, 2023, in the comfort of his home, which was the epicenter of joyous family gatherings.
Bill arrived in this world on November 21, 1942, in Benton Harbor, to Alfred and Lucile (Smoot) Richter. He grew up working on the family farm, alongside his two brothers (Larry and Ronald), of which he was the eldest. He attended Decatur Public Schools and graduated in 1960, thereafter earning his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, and MBA, from Western Michigan University. On October 15, 1966, he married Holly Burnette, whom he jokingly referred to as his “first wife”. They met when Holly was 4, started dating in their later teens, and during the course of their marriage had three children: Matthew, Jill, and Corey.
After several successful business pursuits, and a notable career at Clark Equipment Co., he launched his future as a business owner by forming Horizon Transportation. He then founded U.S. Jack, in Benton Harbor, MI, and retired at the age of 54. He maintained commercial real estate endeavors as well as cherished friendships forged throughout his career.
During his retirement, Bill pursued his love for hunting, fishing, travel, and golf. At a very young age, his father introduced him and his brothers to hunting, a tradition that continues to thrive through his brother Ronald (Ronnie), his son, Corey, son-in-law, Clint, and grandson, Zach. Numerous fall days have been spent together in the Michigan woods, whether at the Decatur farm or “Blue Camp”, in the Upper Peninsula. Blue Camp has been a constant setting for copious male bonding and likely many exploits, known only to those in attendance.
Bill was an avid and competitive golfer and won many tournaments, both locally and otherwise. He felt fortunate that his business and personal travels allowed him to play multiple famous courses in the U.S. and around the world.
Central to their marriage, Bill loved Holly and Holly loved Moab, (Utah) which led to the purchase of their second home, in 2001. They spent time there every spring and fall, hiking, 4-wheeling, and enjoying the mountains and desert. Here they hosted numerous friends and created countless memories, including their daughter Jill’s wedding, in Arches National Park, in 2004. Bill last visited Moab in October 2022. This trip was meaningful for him as an opportunity to reflect on his life and so many wonderful times shared with family and friends.
Any who knew Bill would agree he was incredibly charismatic, the most gracious of hosts, and full of humor which was quite often “not politically correct”. Bill lived large and unapologetically and will leave an indelible mark on all those whose lives he touched. He will be missed immeasurably.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Holly Richter; children, Matthew Richter, Jill (Clint) Zalas and Corey (Amy Rhew) Richter; grandchildren, Zach Zalas, and Ava Zalas; and brothers, Ronald Richter and Larry (Dixie) Richter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Lucile Richter.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2023, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. A Celebration of Life will be held on March, 11, 2023, at the VFW in Decatur, MI, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name, may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to share a memory of Bill may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Bill arrived in this world on November 21, 1942, in Benton Harbor, to Alfred and Lucile (Smoot) Richter. He grew up working on the family farm, alongside his two brothers (Larry and Ronald), of which he was the eldest. He attended Decatur Public Schools and graduated in 1960, thereafter earning his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, and MBA, from Western Michigan University. On October 15, 1966, he married Holly Burnette, whom he jokingly referred to as his “first wife”. They met when Holly was 4, started dating in their later teens, and during the course of their marriage had three children: Matthew, Jill, and Corey.
After several successful business pursuits, and a notable career at Clark Equipment Co., he launched his future as a business owner by forming Horizon Transportation. He then founded U.S. Jack, in Benton Harbor, MI, and retired at the age of 54. He maintained commercial real estate endeavors as well as cherished friendships forged throughout his career.
During his retirement, Bill pursued his love for hunting, fishing, travel, and golf. At a very young age, his father introduced him and his brothers to hunting, a tradition that continues to thrive through his brother Ronald (Ronnie), his son, Corey, son-in-law, Clint, and grandson, Zach. Numerous fall days have been spent together in the Michigan woods, whether at the Decatur farm or “Blue Camp”, in the Upper Peninsula. Blue Camp has been a constant setting for copious male bonding and likely many exploits, known only to those in attendance.
Bill was an avid and competitive golfer and won many tournaments, both locally and otherwise. He felt fortunate that his business and personal travels allowed him to play multiple famous courses in the U.S. and around the world.
Central to their marriage, Bill loved Holly and Holly loved Moab, (Utah) which led to the purchase of their second home, in 2001. They spent time there every spring and fall, hiking, 4-wheeling, and enjoying the mountains and desert. Here they hosted numerous friends and created countless memories, including their daughter Jill’s wedding, in Arches National Park, in 2004. Bill last visited Moab in October 2022. This trip was meaningful for him as an opportunity to reflect on his life and so many wonderful times shared with family and friends.
Any who knew Bill would agree he was incredibly charismatic, the most gracious of hosts, and full of humor which was quite often “not politically correct”. Bill lived large and unapologetically and will leave an indelible mark on all those whose lives he touched. He will be missed immeasurably.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Holly Richter; children, Matthew Richter, Jill (Clint) Zalas and Corey (Amy Rhew) Richter; grandchildren, Zach Zalas, and Ava Zalas; and brothers, Ronald Richter and Larry (Dixie) Richter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Lucile Richter.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2023, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. A Celebration of Life will be held on March, 11, 2023, at the VFW in Decatur, MI, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name, may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to share a memory of Bill may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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