Fred Richter

Charles Frederick (Fred) Richter, age 90 of Thrall, was called home by his Heavenly Father on January 13, 2025. Fred was born on July 7, 1934 to Martin and Elsie (Patschke) Richter in Nueces County, TX. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale and graduated from William Adams High School, Alice, TX in 1953. From 1953 to 1957 he served in the Air Force, being stationed in Alaska, San Antonio, Colorado and California. He attended Texas A&M College, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. While in college, he would go to Thorndale on weekends to see his family, and there he found the love of his life, Melva Woelfel. Fred & Melva were married on December 27, 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale. Together they shared with their four children their love of God, love of family and love of the land. They celebrated their 61st anniversary prior to Melva’s passing in 2021.

A self-employed farmer/rancher/engineer/mechanic, Fred was a strong, hard-working man with a kind, gentle spirit. His faith in God and his patience made him well-suited for this profession. He was a farmer at heart. This was his life, not just a job. He was always thinking about how he could make things work better. His interest in building equipment started in high school when he shop-built a tractor in machinist class. He went on to design and build several pieces of equipment, most notably “the big green bird” front-mounted bedder and his strip till rig, and converted four gasoline-powered pickups to diesel. A true progressive farmer, he was always interested in trying new farming methods and equipment. He was one of the first in the area to convert to 30-inch row spacing, using track tractors and utilizing RTK guidance. Being certified in AI (artificial insemination), he utilized it to build a better cattle herd. In his later years as he slowed down, he enjoyed watching the newborn calves from his window or porch. Farming was definitely a family affair with the Richters. Fred and his son, Vincent, farmed together for many years. Fred proudly trained his daughters and granddaughters to help on the farm too, teaching them to drive tractors and catch grain on the go. He employed many young men over the years and shared his passion for farming with them as well. When explaining what needed to be done, he always said “we” letting you know he had your back. He was a good friend to many fellow farmers, helping however he could.

He served on the Williamson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors from 1987-2024. Over the years he served as director of Texas Cotton Growers Cooperation, Thorndale Cooperative Gin and Grain Company and Lower Brushy Creek Water Control Improvement District. He was a member of the Williamson County Crops Committee for 52 years, serving as chairman for numerous years. He was a member of the Texas Young Farmers, served as president of its Taylor-Thrall Chapter and received its Star Young Farmer award in 1969 and 1970. He was named Master Farmer of the Community in 1970 by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and Area Farmer of the Year in 1998 by the Thorndale Chamber of Commerce.

Fred was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale where he served as an elder for 35 years. He faithfully attended church with his family on Sundays and could usually be found visiting with other farmers after the service. His favorite things to do on Sunday afternoons were playing 84 and listening to polka music. Having spent his teenage years in South Texas, he enjoyed the beach and loved taking his family there for vacations.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, parents, parents-in-law Martin and Adele (Lehman) Woelfel, brother Eugene Richter, brothers-in-law Jim Pryor, Sonny Glazener, Ed Richter and Arthur Woelfel, sister-in-law Nyoka Richter and niece Kimberly Collier.

Fred leaves a legacy of honest, hard work and Christian values to his loving family and will never be forgotten. He is survived by his son Vincent Richter (Mary) of Thrall, daughters Vickie Korenek (Alan) of Rockdale, Darlene Rippamonti (Anthony) of Victoria and Lavonne Berdoll (Lance) of Bastrop; grandchildren/great-grandchildren Gretchen Rodgers (Brandon)/Cora & Calvin of Temple; Maia Richter (fiancé Tyler Carpenter)/Maggie Box of Temple; Randy Korenek (Matilda)/Liam, Moxon & Tucker of Rockdale; Garrett Korenek (fiancé Lani Denman)/Brooklynn & Kolsen Korenek, & Brantley Denman of Franklin; Hannah Rippamonti of Victoria; Kaylee Berdoll (fiancé Jimmie Smith) of College Station; Travis Berdoll (Kaitlyn)/Emma & Kacie of Bastrop; brother Harry Richter (Judy) of Kingsland, sisters Alice Glazener of Kingsland and Diane Locklin (Scott) of Thorndale, sister-in-law Dee Richter of Thorndale, several nieces & nephews and numerous cousins.

Pallbearers will be Rance Richter, David Richter, James Pryor, Steve Richter, Greg Hengst, Billy Felfe, Karl Schneider, Edgar Iselt and Ronnie Lehmann. Cousins Raymond Zoch, Kenneth Richter and Conrad Nietsch and the Directors of Williamson County Farm Bureau will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Condado, Dr. Stancoven and the entire Cardiology Team at Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock for their many years of competent care as well as the staff and residents at SPJST Skilled Nursing for their care, friendship and support over the past few months. You are all a blessing to us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church General Fund or Build The Vision Fund. (PO Box 369, Thorndale, TX 76577).