Posted: April 28, 2009 |(0) Comments

Michael J. Richter of Glendale died April 18, 2009, at age 47, after a devastating accident.

He was born and raised in Havre, Mont. He graduated from Big Sandy High School and the College of Great Falls in Montana. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and finished his residency at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee. He cherished his staff and the 13 years he spent as a family physician at the Glendale Clinic. For the past two years, he was a family practice physician at Aurora Health Care, where he was assisted by Rachelle.

He will be remembered for his bear hugs, for his ability to appreciate a good meal, and for placing the needs of others above his own. He had a hearty laugh, and his 6-foot-5-inch stature made him larger than life. Basketball was another love; he played for the College of Great Falls, coached both of his daughters at St. Monica Catholic Grade School in Whitefish Bay, and was assistant varsity coach at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee.

He loved great music, a good game of golf or pick-up basketball with his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Julie (nee Lenz); children, Katherine and Jane and Beth Christensen; stepmother, Helen Richter; brothers, Ric (Jane) Richter, Rhett (Pearl) Richter and Doug (Sarah) Richter; sister, Jan (Stan) Holmquist; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Vaughn; father, Vern Richter; and brother, Clark.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 23 at St. Monica's Catholic Church, Whitefish Bay. Private interment was held.

Memorials are suggested to the Michael J. Richter Memorial Trust, c/o Marshall and Ilsley Bank, 177 East Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. The trust will be used for his girls' education as well as distributed to his favorite charities.

Feerick Funeral Home handled the arrangements.