Louis Gerard Richert, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on January 4, 2021 in Ames, IA. Lou was born on June 16, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA to Louis and Armella (Beuhler) Richert. He was one of four siblings and the father of three children. Lou will be remembered as a man who led a simple life but was a generous and appreciative person. He was one of the most genuine and kind people you would ever meet. He had a beautiful gift of building and maintaining relationships.
He married Thelma “Bunny” Richert on April 22, 1950 in Washington DC. She was the love of his life! They met at the FBI, where they were both working at the time. In 1956, they moved to Sheldon, Iowa and then to Ames in 1963. Lou worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for 45 years before retiring on September 11, 2001.
Lou was an active member of St. Cecilia’s Parish in Ames and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight. He was a volunteer with Special Olympics, and most recently, the Christian Family Movement.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, and siblings Audrey Soltez and Lois Richert and his parents.
He is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Children are: Judy Percival and Dan Quigley of Kiawah Island, SC; Tom and Kim Richert of Burlington, IA; and Bob and Charlotte Richert of Tulsa, OK. The seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren include: Melissa and Matthew Brown, and Gabriel; Mollie Richert; Allison Richert and Noah; Luke Richert and Neecy Lozic; Brandon Richert; Teresa and Cody Forehand, and Warren and Julia; and Dominic and Hannah Richert. His youngest brother, Bill, still lives in Pennsylvania.
Lou was a blessing to all who knew him and is dearly missed. He was an honorable, dedicated and loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was deeply devoted to his faith and cherished his relationships with his church family. He treasured time with family and spent much of his time volunteering, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and bowling. He liked his coffee (tongue-burning hot) and had an appreciation for good food. His curious mind kept up with local, national, and world events. A newspaper and a dictionary were always nearby. His background as an accountant served him well as he kept meticulous records of family and friends and what was happening in their lives; he never missed a birthday. His home was a place where others were always welcome and his warmth and good nature will still be felt there. He left his mark on so many people, instilled his work ethic and values, and positively influenced family and friends who were blessed with the good fortune to know him. We pray for his eternal peace.
A visitation will be held at Steven’s Memorial Chapel on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a time of sharing. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be directed to St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church or Mayo Clinic.
