Doris Richter, 89, Sturgis, SD, passed away June 11, 2024, at Monument Health Sturgis with family at her side. Doris was born April 18, 1935, in Bennett County, SD, to Edgar and Rhoda (Jackson) Gardner. She grew up in Harding County, SD and graduated from Harding County High School in May 1953.
She attended Black Hills Teacher’s College and taught in Kennewick, WA, where she married Wendelyn Richter on June 3, 1960. They returned to South Dakota where she then taught in Belle Fourche, Whitewood, and Sturgis, SD for many years.
During retirement Doris enjoyed traveling and serving her community. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star where she served in several offices. She was also a board member of High plains Western Heritage Center, in addition to being a volunteer.
She is survived by her son, Michael Richter; daughter, Suzanne (Timothy) Hammers; grandchildren, Derrick (Heidi) Richter, Clinton (Rachel) Corean, Jessica Richter, Jacob Hammers, and Benjamin Hammers; great grandchildren, Brantley, Sophie, and Kade Richter; her nieces, Connie and Nancy Swanson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, former husband, Wendelyn Richter; daughter, Pamela Richter, and sister, Kelly Martin.
Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood on June 18th at 10:00 a.m. with burial at 1:30 p.m. at the Cave Hills Cemetery in Harding County. Memorial donations can be made to either Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood or the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
