GERALD JOHN RICHTER

      Gerald John Richter, 94, entered Eternal Life on March 2, 2022.

Jerry was born in Silver Lake on Jan. 14, 1928, to William H. (Bill) and Chrystal (nee Dixon) Richter. He was a former resident of Mequon for 51 years, and then lived in the Madison area for the past 15 years. He was the loving husband of the late Lori (nee Salm) for 60 years; and the father of Debbie (Dan) Mueller, Mary Kay (Mick) Warner and Beth (Scott) Scheffer. After having had three daughters and no sons, Jerry was “tickled” that all of his five grandchildren were boys, Bryan Mueller, Michael Mueller, Jerry Warner (his namesake), Jamie Warner, and Jacob Scheffer. He is also survived by sisters Ruth (Ted) Matt and JoAnne (Bob) Yerkes; brother Bill (Mary) Richter; sister-in-law Judy (Don) Weber; brother-in-law Bob (Joanne) Bauer; and a number of nieces and nephews, many of whom became close to Jerry as his siblings passed on.

Jerry was preceded in Eternal Life by his parents; brothers Bob (Fran) Richter, Lyle (Rosemary) Richter and Dick (Shirley) Richter; and sister Marie (Larry) Fait.

As a young man, Jerry served as an officer in the Army Transportation Corps in Pusan, Korea during the war. He met Lori, the love of his life, at a party in Milwaukee. He almost wasn’t at that party because he was “too tired” (on his birthday). His friends talked him into it, so fate had its way. Jerry was taken with Lori the moment he first saw her walk down the stairs at the party. He was deeply devoted to her during their marriage, including during her last years when she was affected by dementia.

Jerry worked for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company for 42 years, retiring in 1996. He was highly regarded as a knowledgeable real estate investment officer, a position he held for many years. In that role, he thoroughly enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Canada to select, purchase, manage and sell real estate investments. He once had his eye on a Flint, Michigan, hotel for possible purchase, and a local newspaper reporter wrote about the potential deal, aptly headlining the article, “When Richter Comes to Town.” He especially enjoyed the financing of high-rise structures that made an impact on the skylines of Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis. He always deeply valued his NML colleagues, praising them for their integrity, cooperative spirit, and loyalty – the very qualities he personified.

Jerry was a planning commissioner for the City of Mequon for 27 years. He played a large role in developing Mequon from the sleepy, sort of rural community he first moved into, to the highly desirable community with a strong Williamsburg influence that it is today.

Jerry was an active, decades-long member of St. James Catholic Church in Mequon, serving as the head of multiple functions over the years, including parish council chair. He also spent time fundraising for causes he believed in, including the American Cancer Society, the United Way, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

As a Badger alumnus, Jerry enthusiastically rooted for his Wisconsin football team, and for the Green Bay Packers. He loved dancing throughout his life. He had a passion for poring over business articles to manage his investment portfolios and provide advice to others, and he loved visiting presidential libraries. As a boy, he thoroughly enjoyed his sailing days on Silver Lake.

Jerry will be greatly missed by many. He radiated warmth and love. He was incredibly friendly, always taking the time to reach out to others in his community and having a big place in his heart for anyone who might be alone or suffering.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison. Family will greet friends and other family members at the church one hour before mass. A reception at the church will follow.

Memorials in Gerald’s name may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, the Carbone Cancer Center, or the Mequon Nature Preserve.

Special thanks to the Attic Angel Community and Vicki Tomaszewski for the exceptional care they gave to Jerry. He was blessed.

Cress Funeral Service is serving the family. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.