Visitation was held Wednesday, April 22, at the Feerick Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian burial was held. On Thursday, April 23, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 5601 North Santa Monica Blvd (on the corner of East Silver Spring Drive) in Whitefish Bay. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Michael J. Richter Memorial Trust, c/o Marshall and Ilsley Bank, 177 East Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, Wis. 53217. The trust established will be used for his girls' education as well as be distributed to Mike’s favorite charities. Mike 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 fortunate enough to be assisted by Rachelle. Mike was a dedicated doctor who loved his work and had a deep compassion for his patients who will remember his warm, kind and gentle presence. His charm combined with his keen medical sense made him a favorite doctor. Mike was passionate about his family and his friends. He will be forever remembered for his bear hugs, 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. He coached both of his daughters at St. Monica Catholic Grade School in Whitefish Bay, Wis., and was assistant varsity coach at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee When not doting on his wife and daughters, Mike loved a good game of golf, great music, or pick-up basketball with his cherished friends. At home, he was always in the company of the beloved family dog, Gymmie, who accompanied him in death. He entered into the fullness of eternal life, at the age of 47, following a devastating accident on April 18, 2009. Resident of Glendale; best friend and beloved husband of Julie (nee Lenz); cherished father of Katherine, 14 and Jane, 12 He is further survived by a daughter, Beth Christensen; his stepmother Helen Richter; three brothers, Ric (Jane) Richter, Rhett (Pearl) Richter and Doug (Sarah) Richter; and a sister, Jan (Stan) Holmquist, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Vaughn; his father, Vern Richter; and a brother, Clark.
