Nov. 2, 1950-March 28, 2006
Merrill J. Richter, 55, of Lake Park, died Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at his home.
Merril John Richter was born to Orville and Bernice (Guenthner) Richter on Nov. 2, 1950 in Hazen, N.D. He was a 1968 graduate of Riverdale (N.D.) High School and attended Wahpeton School of Science at Whapeton, N.D. studying diesel mechanics. Merrill served with the U.S. Marines in Viet Nam, where he earned the Viet Nam Service and Campaign Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Following discharge from the Marines he moved to Bismarck, N.D., where he worked for MDU.
He then moved to Hazen, where he married Cynthia Bornemann on Sept. 15, 1972. They later divorced. Merrill married Colleen McLean April 9, 1977 at Hazen. They farmed near there, and later divorced. He moved to rural Lake Park in 1998. Merrill married Carlotta Bauer in Fargo, N.D., on June 7, 2002.
Merrill is survived by his wife, Carlotta Richter of Detroit Lakes; two daughters, Heather (Alan) Ridl of Dickinson, N.D., and Michelle (Russ) Dienert of Minneapolis; two sons, Dustin (Sharon) Richter of Douglas, Wyo., and Seth Richter of Minneapolis; one sister, Brenda (Elden) Munson of Minot, N.D.; one brother, Keith (Lylette) Richter of Windsor, Colo.; and five grandchildren.
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Merrill enjoyed his family and children. He was known for his kindness to older people. He loved horses and giving horse-back rides. Merrill also loved dogs, cats, and birds.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 1 at Cormorant Lutheran Church, Cormorant, with the Rev. Lori Beck officiating. Burial is set for 2 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, N.D. The David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes is serving the family.
