REV. C. DONALD RICHTER, 76, of Albion, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008, 7:30 a.m., at his home. He had been in failing health for the past two years. Born Nov. 22, 1932, in Scranton, Pa., to John and Rosalie (Scholla) Richter, he had resided in this community for 51 years, coming from Pensylvania. He married Eleanor (Bash) Richter on Aug. 21, 1955, in Apollo, Pa.; she survives in Albion. Mr. Richter graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. in 1954, then continued his education at Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1957. He was a Lutheran minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for 33 1/2 years, retiring in January of 1991. He ministered at St. Marks Lutheran and Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Churches, both in Albion. He enjoyed reading, gardening, arranging flowers, singing and swimming. He also volunteered at the Cole Center Family YMCA as the rehabilitation and youth swim instructor. He was a past member of the YMCA Board and a member of the Albion Ministerial Association. He was also a member of the American Red Cross and was a regular donor to the Blood Bank and Apheresis. In addition to his wife, surviving are his children, Steven Richter of LaPorte, Jeff Richter of Portland, Ore., David (Carol) Richter of Albion and Donna (John) Sarage of Xenia, Ohio; grandchildren, Alexandra (Matt) Arndt, Pierce, Nathan, Aaron, Sydney, Hannah and Peyton Richter and Andrew Sarage; step-grandchildren, John, Rick and Scott Sarage; step-great- grandchildren, Zach, Katie and Ethan Sarage; and brother, Robert (Arlene) Richter of Scranton, Pa. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lisa Beth Richter, in 1962; and a brother, John Richter. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake Township, on O Day Road, in Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior to service at the church. The Rev. Ralph Easterhaus officiating. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion Chapel. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion. At the request of Pastor Richter, please make memorial contributions to the Cole Center YMCA in Kendallville or St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Albion. Send online condolences to brazzellfuneralhome.com
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 12/25/2008