Reverend Robert L. Richter – June 18, 2024

Robert L. Richter, a retired Lutheran pastor and U.S. Navy chaplain, passed away on June 18, 2024, in Colorado. He was 89 years old. Rev. Richter was a resident of Palisades Assisted Living in Colorado Springs for 12 years after an extensive career spanning various assignments and posts during his military duty, veterans’ hospital chaplaincy and service in the Lutheran Church.

Rev. Richter, or “Bob,” as he was known by his family and friends, was born on October 20, 1934, to Edwin and Elizabeth (Meek) Richter in Memphis, TN. Inspired by his mentor Rev. Karl Brugge of Trinity Lutheran Church in Memphis, TN, he entered the Lutheran ministry. His keen interest in theology, academics and service led him to St. John’ s College in Winfield, KS, followed by a Master of Divinity in 1960 from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He later received a Master of Science in Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA.

While on his first vicarage in New Orleans, LA in 1959, he met Suzanne Landry. They married in 1960 and raised three children. He went on to pastor churches in St. Paul, MN, Tuscaloosa, AL, and Pensacola, FL, where he treasured his ministry at Grace and Jehovah Lutheran churches.

Rev. Richter served as Chief of Chaplains at William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison, WI (1975 to 1994), and the Alexandria VA Hospital in Pineville, LA (1995-1999) counseling veterans from World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  Rev. Richter also spent 25 years in the Navy Chaplains Corps, with three years active duty with Destroyer Squadron Four, based in Charleston, SC and Naval Air Technical Training Center in Jacksonville, FL. Ten of those years included service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

He is survived by his loving family including his children: Rachael Richter of Pensacola, FL, Christian Richter of McLean, VA, and Ingrid Richter of Colorado Springs, CO; his siblings: Edwin Richter and Betty Thieme; his grandchildren: Malcolm McKinley, Camille Richter, Annabel Richter, Graciella Gatto, and Marlena Gatto; and long-time friend, Joan Garrett. His was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne Doretha Landry, and his sister, Caroline McNulty.

Memorials in Bob Richter’s name may be made to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in honor of Rev. Richter’s service to veterans and his country.

veteranscenter.org/donate/ Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, 530 Communication Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80905