Raymond Walter Richter, 86, of Alden passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. A celebration of life open house will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea, with an informal prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery of Pickerel Lake at a later date.

Raymond Walter Richter was born June 4, 1933, to George and Ella (Briski) Richter on the family farm in Alden. Ray grew up and continued to live on the farm for the rest of his earthly life. Ray’s childhood was spent playing in the hay barn with his siblings and working hard, tending to livestock and crops. As a worker of the earth, Ray grew to appreciate the beauty of the land from a very young age.

Ray was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake, where he was baptized. Although he had little formal education, Ray was amazing at mechanics and could fix all the farm machinery and equipment that needed attention. Ray was also known for his trickster personality, his funny sayings and nicknames and his hospitality to visitors. His favorite moments were spent with his cronies at coffee hour, and he always had a pot ready for unexpected guests.

Ray’s family is deeply saddened by his loss, but in Ray’s words, “They’ll get over it!”

Ray is survived by his sisters Fern Drescher, Erma Colvin and Elnora (Nels) Christenson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and his beloved dog, Knuckle Brain.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents George and Ella; his siblings Clara (George) Rebeline, Frida (Walter) Jachnke, Marie (George) Wacholz, Minni (George) Jacobson, Donald (Gilma) Richter, Elmer Richter, Arthur (Alma) Richter and Harry (Marie) Richter; and his brothers-in-law Howard Colvin and Marvin Drescher.

His memory will be forever cherished, and his family knows it’s not goodbye, but rather, “See you in the funny papers!”