Paul Richter, M.D. (RD ’61)

Dr. Paul Hartwell Richter, 93, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, December 24, 2019, surrounded by family singing Christmas carols at his bedside, at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls.

Paul was born November 5, 1926, to Edward and Alice (Hartwell) Richter in Hunter, ND. He graduated from Hunter High School in 1944, and immediately joined the U.S. Merchant Marines, serving until 1946. He then went on to attend Jamestown University, University of North Dakota, and University of Nebraska, Omaha for medical school. He was then called to be a Captain in the U.S. Army as a medical officer for the Big Red 1 from 1955 to 1957.
Following his military service, Paul resumed his medical training at Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, specializing in Radiology. It was here that he met his bubbly, beautiful blue-eyed bride, Beverly Jeanne Boyum. The two were married May 7, 1960 in Kasson, Minnesota and shortly after moved to Fergus Falls, where Paul practiced Radiology for Lake Region Hospital for nearly 30 years.

Paul was baptized as an infant in the Christian faith and enjoyed fellowship at the Federated Church, singing in the choir for many decades. His faith guided him in his roles as husband and father, to provide, protect and promote his family of four children. He was a great supporter of the Arts and enjoyed a variety of music at home, and at concert venues. Likewise, he had a great passion for travel and adventure and surprising people with his humor. Many of his years were spent in, on, or by water: Round Lake in Becker County, MN, Lake Alice and Swan Lake in Fergus Falls, and the Gulf of Mexico at Ft Myer’s Beach, Florida. Skiing, fishing, canoeing, sailing, and creating works of art from rocks, driftwood, and seashells were favorite water pastimes. Genealogy studies, keeping up with technology, reading medical journals, volunteering for local hospice and food shelf, and joining Beverly in hosting numerous gatherings were many of Paul’s activities.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and David Saunders, and nephew Tom Saunders.

Paul is survived by his wife, Beverly of Fergus Falls; children, Mark (Cindy) Richter of Chaska, MN, Barbara (Doug) Becker of Fergus Falls, Mary Beth (Dan) Schindler of Fergus Falls, and Heidi (Brad) McLean of Harwood, ND; grandchildren, Michelle (Nick) Riedel, Matthew (Yedda) Richter, Brian Richter, Mark Becker, Benjamin (Abby) Schindler, Alice, Chloe and Rebecca Schindler, Andrea (Andy) Gudding, Easton and Maren McLean, three great-grandchildren, and three special nieces and their families.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday January 2, 2020, at the Olson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2020 at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Doctor Douglas Dent
Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls.

Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com