William “Bill” Richer

Obituary

William “Bill” Joseph Richer was born on January 8, 1974, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Keith and Margaret “Marge” (Franta) Richer. Bill was baptized in 1974, First Communion in 1978, and later confirmed in his faith in 1990, all at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Winthrop, Minnesota. Bill attended Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Schools and graduated with the class of 1992.

After graduation, Bill worked overnight shifts at Wal-Mart until March 1994. He then joined Young America Corporation in NYA where he worked from March 1994 to June 2004, advancing to the role of computer programmer. During the summer of 2004 Bill worked at a truck wash station. Later that year, he began working at Loftness in Hector where he remained until the spring of 2012. He started as a parts washer and eventually advanced to part sales.

Bill was united in marriage to Rhonda Johnston on September 29, 2000, at Wildwood County Park in Eagle Lake, Minnesota. After their marriage the couple made their home in Winthrop. This year, they celebrated their silver anniversary, 25 years together.

Bill known as “Pugsley” by family and friends enjoyed family gatherings, caring for his seven dogs over the years, telling “tall tales”, WWE wrestling events, attending county fair wrestling matches with his nephews. He delighted in sharing his love of “clowns” with his nieces and was an avid gamer both online computer and on consoles. He had a passion for all things horror, books and movies alike, and his love of reading continued up to the very end.

In May 2011, Bill was blessed with a kidney and pancreas transplant continuing a medical journey filled with numerous appointments. Through it all, he embraced each day as adventure. In accordance with his wishes, his body was donated to U of M Anatomy Bequest Program to further medical education and scientific research.

Pugsley is survived by his wife, Rhonda of Winthrop; mother, Marge Richer of Winthrop; mother-in-law, Alma Johnston of Randolph; sisters, Sara Huntley of Dodge Center, Patti (Mike) Dettman of Hutchinson, Sue (Larry) Gruenhagen of Hutchinson; brother, Steve (Jodi) Richer of Glencoe; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Ken) Exner of Randolph, Roberta Johnston of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Keith Richer; father-in-law, Rick Johnston; grandparents, Emil & Alice Richer, and Fremont & Minnie Franta; along with numerous aunts & uncles.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his stories will live on.