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Bishop says Richter’s ‘legacy of service’ was inspiring

Served parishes in Canby, Wabasso and Lucan

Journal file photo Msgr. John Richter was honored in July 2017 for retiring after 53 years as a Diocese of New Ulm priest. Richter died Oct. 23 in Sleepy Eye.

NEW ULM — A beloved priest who will be remembered for his service to God and parishioners that brought him great joy, died Oct. 23 under hospice care at Divine Providence Community Home/Lake Villa Maria in Sleepy Eye.

Monsignor John A. Richter, 86, was a priest of the Diocese of New Ulm for 53 years until 2017 when he became chaplain to the Divine Providence Community Home/Lake Villa Maria in Sleepy Eye.

Richter served the parish communities of New Ulm (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with teaching duties at Cathedral High School), Hutchinson, Montevideo, Madison, Canby, Sleepy Eye (while also serving as superintendent of St. Mary’s Catholic School and chaplain at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye), Wabasso, Seaforth, Lucan, Wanda, and Searles.

Diocese of New Ulm Bishop Chad W. Zielinski described how he felt after meeting Richter a couple years ago.

“Shortly after my installation as bishop of New Ulm in September of 2022, I had the privilege of visiting Monsignor Richter at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye, where he was residing and serving as chaplain since his retirement from active priestly ministry in 2017,” Zielinski said.

“I vividly recall how he spoke of the home and those who lived there, like he was their father and they were his beloved children. His dedication was truly inspiring. I was immediately taken by his love for the priesthood and personal sacrifice in ministry to those who suffered with end of life issues. He vowed to do his part to walk this sacred journey with them,” he said.

“His legacy of service, marked by his profound love for the Eucharist, continues to be an inspiration,” said Zielinski. “The Eucharist was the cornerstone of his life, and he found great joy in offering his life in sacrifice through the Holy Sacraments. This joy is evident in his every action and word, which he shared with all those he ministered to.”

Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s Principal Peter Roufs praised Richter as a great example to the school and parish.

“He was such a strong supporter of Catholic education and St. Mary’s during his time. He was a great example to us all, of how having a parish and school working together could achieve the mission of the church,” said Roufs.

“He was willing to take risk and sacrifice, be an example of stewardship in the school and parish, and ultimately a great role model for our faith. He was a very faithful individual and trusted in the Lord. He was invaluable in his time,” he said.

Retired Diocese of New Ulm Development Director and Head of Diocesan Schools Wayne Pelzel of Sleepy Eye said he marveled at Richter for a number of reasons.

“I always marveled at his ability to get to know people. He knew so many people and could go so many places and converse with so many people. I was wish him a couple times when people were dying and marveled at his ability to say the right things at the right time. Those things made him special,” Pelzel said.

Richter served as rector of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm from 2002 to 2015, at which time he became senior associate pastor at the Cathedral and also assisted in the Holy Cross Area Faith Community (New Ulm, Searles, Lafayette, West Newton Township). He also served as diocesan director of vocations and the Bishop’s Liaison to Charismatic Renewal and on various diocesan committees.

In 1998, Richter received the Diocesan Distinguished Service Medal from Bishop Raymond A. Lucker in recognition of his faithful ministry and effective educationship leadership,” and on May 23, 2019, he was inducted into the Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame.

Mass of Christian Burial takes place at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service today. Visitation continues 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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