Keith W. Richer

Obituary

Keith William Richer was born on April 7, 1944, in Winona, Minnesota. He was the son of Emil and Alice (Eichman) Richer. Keith was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth both at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona. He received his education in Winona and was a graduate of the Winona High School class of 1962.

On June 13, 1962, two days after Keith graduated high school, he entered active military service and served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 10, 1963, having achieved the rank of E-1.

On December 28, 1966, Keith was united in marriage to Margaret “Marge” Franta at St. George Catholic Church in rural New Ulm, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple resided in New Ulm and moved to Winthrop in 1972. Keith and Marge were blessed with five children. He was employed as a truck driver for 37 years and drove truck for Schugel Trucking and Bartels Trucking along with his son, Steve. They shared 57 years of marriage.

Keith was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop, DAV, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #314. He is a former member of the Winthrop Lions.

Keith enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years; woodworking, mechanics and family events. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Keith passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Winthrop on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the age of 80 years. Blessed be his memory.

Keith is survived by his:
Wife,                Marge Richer of Winthrop, MN;
Daughter,          Sara Huntley of Dodge Center, MN, and her children, Amanda (Chris) Gilbertson and their children, Lucas and Henry; and Jacob (Andrea) Huntley;
Daughter,          Patti (Mike) Dettman of Hutchinson, MN, and their children, Mackenzie (Michael) Dillon and Tony Dettman;
Daughter,          Sue (Larry) Gruenhagen of Winthrop, MN, and their children, Heather (Kyle) Muetzel and their child, Mikael; Nick (Mikkayla) Pagel and their child, Addilynn; Katelyn Pagel and her fiancée, Cristopher Thiem;
Son,                  Steve (Jodi) Richer of Glencoe, MN, and their children, Jon Richer and his fiancé, Jamie Kosek and their child, Raegan; Courtney Richer and her significant other, Zach Mogard;
Son,                  Bill (Rhonda) Richer of Winthrop, MN;
Sister, Linda Strzyewksi of Fridley, MN;
Brother, Bob (Kathy) Richer of Knoxville, TN;
Sisters-in-law, Julie Oestreich of Kasson, MN, Diane Richer of Beaufort, SC, Pam Richer of Anoka, MN, Diane Richer of Coon Rapids, MN;
Brother-in-law, Steve Norman of Livermore, CA, and John Przytarski of Oakdale, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his Parents, Emil and Alice Richer; Parents-in-law, Fremont and Minnie Franta; Siblings, Wayne Richer, Michael Richer, Sandee Przytarski, Don Richer, David Richer, Tom Richer, Barb Norman; Sisters-in-law, Rita Franta and Theresa Franta; Brother-in-law, Kevan Oestreich and Ken Franta.