Kenneth Dale Richter

Kenneth Dale Richter, 89, of Fort Collins passed away May 11, 2012 at home surrounded by family. Dale was born February 21, 1923, to Frank and Annegene Richter at home 15 miles southeast of Wiggins, Colorado. He met the love of his life, Dorothy, when he was 14 and she was 13 in Wiggins. They married August 30, 1942 when Dorothy graduated from high school and he was a sophomore at Colorado A&M now CSU where he was studying civil engineering and was a member of the ROTC. Dale's studies were shortened by induction into the Army Air Corps during WWII where he received his degree in meteorology. He served in the Pacific as an air traffic controller with the Oceanic Air Traffic Control based at Kwajalein. He was called up again during the Korean War and served with the Air Force's Air Defense Command based in Japan. He stayed in the reserves and retired as a Major with 40 years of decorated service to our country. Between wars, Dale worked as a police officer in Denver. He also began buying and operating dairy farms with his father until 1969 when he went on to a 20 year career in the insurance industry. He was a man of honesty where his word and a hand shake sealed many business deals. His multiple interests and talents included; fly-fishing at their cabin on the Poudre, deep-sea fishing, woodworking, exploring the world, Friday night dancing at the Safari with good friends, genealogy, a 4-H leader with Dorothy, crossword puzzles, great discussions, financial planning, gardening, rose growing, and eating Dorothy's fresh-baked rolls. But most of all he loved being with his family and good friends. After nearly 70 years of marriage, Dale is survived by his wife, Dorothy; 3 children, Estelle Thaller Marvin of Hugo, Linda Richter Bob Manuel of Fort Collins, and Rick Richter Julie of Fort Collins; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Frank Richter Betty of Boulder and many cousins, nephews, nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Benita Farrington and Wilma Drager. There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Iasis Christ Fellowship at 363 Jefferson. Military Honors and reception will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Society, Pathway Hospice, or a charity of your choice in care of Bohlender Fuenral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.