Richard Leroy Richter

Richard Leroy Richter, 77, of Crooks, South Dakota, passed away on October 12, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved him dearly, and probably more antique traps than anyone knows what to do with.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Colman Lutheran Church in Colman, South Dakota. Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Colman, South Dakota.

Richard was born on August 6, 1949, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to William (Bill) Richter and Elaine Bidwell. He grew up on the family farm near Colman, South Dakota, where his love for the outdoors began at an early age. By the time he was six years old, his mother was dropping him off along fence lines to check his traps, beginning what would become a lifelong passion.

Richard attended Colman schools, graduating in 1968. He went on to work at Morrell's for an impressive 47 years before retiring in 2016, demonstrating the same dedication and work ethic that defined so much of his life.

On December 29, 1979, Richard married Shirley Flakus, beginning a marriage filled with family, laughter, adventures, and countless memories. Together, they built a life in Crooks, where Richard became a familiar face around town, often spotted driving his small, well-worn truck or cruising through the neighborhood on his golf cart. When Shirley wasn't riding sidesaddle, there was a good chance the radio was turned up a little louder.

Richard was an outdoorsman in every sense of the word. The outdoors wasn't simply where he spent his free time; it was where he was happiest and where he felt most at home. His passion began at just six years old, when his mother would drop him off along fence lines so he could walk in to check his traps. What started as a childhood adventure grew into a lifelong love of trapping, hunting, fishing, and everything the outdoors had to offer. An exceptionally skilled and accomplished trapper, Richard earned world records in the barefoot bear trap, men's Conibear, and men's multi. He was equally passionate about pheasant and duck hunting, ice fishing, and spending countless hours tending to his gardens. There was rarely a season when Richard wasn't outside doing something he loved. His extensive collection of antique traps was a testament to his dedication to the sport, as well as his firm belief that there was no good reason to get rid of something that might come in handy someday. For Richard, the outdoors was more than a pastime. It was a way of life, a source of pride, and something he loved sharing with his children and grandchildren.

For 35 years, Richard was a fixture in Crooks during pumpkin season, selling pumpkins from the family yard. He also spent 30 years growing and selling sweet corn. While he took pride in what he grew, he especially enjoyed the conversations with the people who stopped by. His children and grandchildren became part of the tradition, helping plant, pick, load, and haul produce into town. What began as a love of gardening became a family tradition that will be remembered for generations.

Richard had a personality all his own. He loved a good joke, even if everyone else thought it was a bad one. He enjoyed keeping up with the news on Fox News and had enough opinions and commentary that he probably could have hosted his own segment. His signature expression, "God awful," was one the family heard often and will undoubtedly continue repeating with a smile.

He loved old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke, along with Landman, the Dutton family dramas, and just about any movie starring Liam Neeson. He enjoyed a good hot hamburger, fried green tomatoes, and root beer floats from Pizza Ranch. Waffle fries and potato salad, on the other hand, were never welcome on his plate.

Richard also loved to dance and wasn't shy about showing off his moves, especially when "Little Red Riding Hood" came on. He and Shirley enjoyed their weekly casino trips, and their annual New Year's card party with Bob and Carol was a cherished tradition.

Above all, Richard loved his family. Whether he was teaching the grandkids about gardening, putting them to work in the pumpkin patch, telling a questionable joke, or simply spending time together, he created memories in the ordinary moments of life. He wasn't one for unnecessary fuss, but he had his own unmistakable way of showing love.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Justin (Allisa) Richter, Steve (Tami) Richter, Heather (Saen) Richter, and Lindsay Richter; his seven grandchildren, McKenna, Treyson, Major, Elaina, Lydia, William, and Lexi; and his brother, Chuck (Jackie) Richter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elaine, and his sisters, Rita Duchek and Dorothy Pomper.

Richard's legacy lives on in the gardens he planted, the family traditions he created, the stories that will be told again and again, and in the memories of those who will always think of him when they drive by the pumpkin yard.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated for being exactly who he was.