Ray Allen Richter from Ironwood Township passed away on July 9, 2026. Ray was born on the family farm on April 21, 1938. Ray’s 88 years on earth, before heading off to heaven to be reunited with his wife Jann, were filled with adventure, travel, and hard work. Jann arrived in heaven just over six years earlier in March of 2020.

During his lifetime, Ray attempted and accomplished feats many people only dream of. In his travels, Ray walked the Great Wall of China, waded in the Amazon River, touched the great pyramids in Egypt, climbed the Eiffel Tower, stood on the equator, and toured Europe. His work career included selling swimming pools, working as a certified Mercury mechanic, and ultimately being a 35-year employee of what eventually became Xcel Energy. In his free time, he operated heavy equipment, raced hydroplanes, built a unique home, handcrafted wood furniture and gifts, and sang barbershop. Ray was licensed as an instrument-rated private pilot. He spent hours restoring a 1943 Stearman biplane, a 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, and a 1973 Corvette. Ray was a lot of things, but he was never bored.

Ray and Jann were married in October of 1961, and in August of 1962, were blessed with a son, Todd, who still lives on the Richter family property. Two years later, another son, Brett, was added to the family. Brett and his wife, Sherry, brought two grandkids to Ray’s world. Jake (Veronica) in 1989 and Janet in 1991. In 2021, Ray would meet his great-grandchild, Walter Ray, with a middle name meant to carry Ray’s legacy.

A service to celebrate Ray’s determined and adventurous spirit will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home. Personal friend and pastor, Rev. Bo Baumeister, will officiate. The service will be held at 10:30 am with visitation from 9:30 to the time of the service. Interment will be held later at a private service.

And finally, as only Ray could say, “I’ll hear ya later!”