Joanne Roberta Richter, daughter of Robert and Agnes (Uran) Hegland, was born in Bremerton, Washington, on March 26, 1945. She graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 1963, and went on to Briercrest Bible Institute in Saskatchewan, Canada, where she graduated and received her Christian Education Certificate after 3 years of study.
When she was 3 years old, her parents started attending a gospel preaching church in Silverdale, Washington, with their two daughters, Kathy and Joanne. Joanne responded to the salvation invitation in her kindergarten Sunday School class at age five. Her family continued to attend all services at Silverdale Bible Church through her growing up years. At the age of 15, she took the step of obedience and was baptized
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Her little church had many missionaries come and report during those years. Joanne saw the challenge of missions around the world, and her heart was open to whatever God had for her. In Bible college, she was challenged to submit to “God’s Triple ‘A’ Brand.” This was a willingness to go Anywhere God called, do Anything God asked her to do, at Any time He asked. She chose Colossians 1:10 as her life verse: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
At age 19, in between Joanne’s first and second year of Bible college, she went to work at Recreational Equipment, Inc. This is where she met her future husband, Don Richter. Don liked to refer to her as his “mail order bride,” since they met in the mail room of REI where she wrapped orders and sent them out, and where he, as a clerk, brought orders. The two were married on August 19, 1967. Immediately after they were married, they moved to Chicago, and later Tennessee, so that Don could complete his studies in aircraft mechanics and flight. Eventually, they welcomed two daughters: Lisa Christine and Tammi Jo.
The Lord led Don and Joanne to Iliamna, Alaska, as missionaries with Baptist Mid Missions, where they used an airplane for ministry in the Alaskan bush, doing church planting work. Later, He led them to Southeast Alaska, where they served as church planters in Petersburg and then Juneau for many more years. Joanne enjoyed playing the piano for church and teaching piano lessons.
The Lord took Don home very suddenly in 2001, but Joanne continued in a team ministry as a widow. Upon retirement, after 34 years of missionary work in Alaska, she moved to Gig Harbor, Washington, to be near her two daughters and their families.
She enjoyed being near her family again, and was thrilled to spend time with her 11 grandchildren, and more recently 2 great-grandchildren. In 2012, Joanne was diagnosed with cancer. She fought a courageous battle and remained a bright testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness throughout her illness. She continued to touch many lives with the gospel right until the end of her life. The Lord mercifully took her home on January 25, 2017.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Richter, her parents, Robert and Agnes Hegland, and her son-in-law, Jesse Armstrong.She is survived by her children Lisa Armstrong Wils (Barry) and Tammi Reid (Josh), her sister Kathleen Newkirk (Don), her 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
Her beautiful life will always be cherished by her loving and devoted family. She was an example of a Proverbs 31 woman to all who knew her, and her faithfulness to her Savior was a testimony to the world.
Memorials may be given to: Baptist Seminary of South India (Building Project), c/o Baptist Mid Missions Foundation, P.O. box 308011, Cleveland, OH 44130-8011.
Joanne’s family wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to many friends and family members, who joyfully showed acts of kindness and love during the illness and passing of our loved one. Your many prayers and expressions of love and sympathy are greatly appreciated.
The family of Joanne Richter
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