George William (Bill) Richter

America lost another of the Greatest Generation as Bill Richter passed on peacefully July 19, 2018. Bill was born on November 22, 1924 in the family home at 43rd and State Line Road. He attended Guardian Angel, the Family church, and Rockhurst High School. World War II changed Bill from a student to a soldier. As he had experienced some very fortunate circumstances in the war, including surviving it, Bill seemed to get an aura of being lucky.

Bill always defined luck as the place where "opportunity and preparedness meet". So upon his return from the war he went back to being a student and enrolled in Rockhurst College. As he was finishing his courses, luck introduced him to Virginia Bynan. Right guy, right place, right attitude, so Virginia and Bill were married at St. Elizabeth's on February 26, 1949.

Bill and Virginia raised four children, two girls and two boys, and enjoyed the prosperity of the post war era. Following a lengthy illness Bill lost Virginia, September 2007. Bill is survived by his brothers Jim (Ruth) Richter of Wheaton, Illinois, Bernie (Dea) Richter of Leawood, Kansas, oldest daughter, Sue (Lee Morris) Richter of Kansas City, oldest son, George Richter of Washington State, son Gregory (Lucy) Richter of Lake Worth, Florida, and youngest daughter, Beth (Bruce) Carter of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight grandchildren, six girls and two boys, as well as many nieces and nephews have added to the luck.

Bill Richter was one of those fellows of a generation that believed in an honest life where folks valued kindness and keeping your word. He lived a life of example, from being dedicated to his wife and engaged with his children, or to his volunteerism, and his deep seated religious life. But not a too serious view, since he loved a good joke, a good bridge game, a bit of politics, and the fun of athletics..... and golf. Although Bill was German he fully embraced the Irish “clan” he married into; making sure your glass was never empty and celebrating all things Irish at any opportunity. Out of Bill’s frontline WWII experiences came one of his core beliefs: eat dessert first (preferably chocolate) because you might not be here later! He successfully instilled that belief in his children and grandchildren.

Bill’s family, and those of us who knew and loved him, would agree that he was a little lucky. Not so lucky as us, who had the wonderful opportunity to get to know a truly remarkable gentleman.

Visitation, Saturday, July 28th, noon to 1:00 pm, followed by Mass of Christian Burial, Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph & the VFW Foundation.