Fred John Richter

Fred John Richter

September 8, 1953 – July 24, 2025

Fred John Richter of Payette, Idaho, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.

Fred was born on September 8, 1953, at Holy Rosary Hospital in Ontario, Oregon, to Antone (Tony) and Ann Richter. He was the fourth of eight children, raised in a lively and loving home.

He attended school in Ontario and graduated with the Ontario High School Class of 1971. In the summer of 1976, he met the love of his life, Dawn, and they were married on March 4, 1977. Together, they built a life filled with faith, laughter, and family.

Fred and Dawn’s greatest joy came with the birth of their daughters: Jennifer in 1981, Melissa in 1984, and Amanda in 1986. Their lives became centered around their girls’ activities—sports, school events, family trips, and everything in between. Fred was always there with open arms and unconditional love.

Fred was truly one of a kind—known not only for his generous soul, quick wit, and infectious humor, but also for being “Mr. Fix-It,” always willing to lend a hand or a tool to anyone in need. Whether it was building, repairing, or creating something from nothing, he approached everything with skill, creativity, and heart.

He had many “bonus kids” who continue to play an active role in the Richter family's life. His motto was simple but true: Faith, family, and friends. And as he often said with a grin, “Double the Hail Marys, double the fun.”

Fred found deep joy in music—whether it was strumming his guitar, singing with his family, or enjoying late-night karaoke surrounded by those he loved. Nothing made him prouder than his daughters, his son in laws, and his grandchildren.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Antone(Tony) and Ann; his brothers, Tony and Michael; his sister, Debbie, sister-in-law Cindy, son Joey, who was lost before birth but never forgotten; and many other beloved family members and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Dawn Richter of Payette, Idaho; daughters Jennifer (Josh) Rau, Melissa (Dusty) Simpson, and Amanda (Austin) Zander; and grandchildren Katie (Sam) Seymour, Hannah (Silas) Gilmore, Gage Warrington, Makinsey Simpson, Christopher Fry, Mayla and Madilynn Zander, and Benjamin Rau.

He is also survived by his siblings: Sister Mary Jo Richter, Sister Diane (Mark) Berria, Brother Chuck (Steph) Richter, and Sister Julie (Ernie) Chandler; sister-in-law Aleta Fonda, his sister-in-law Lisa Jones and brother-in-law Stuart Jones; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ontario, Oregon, on August 8, 2025: Rosary at 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM Burial at 12:30 PM at Sunset Cemetery Dinner reception to follow at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall.

Fred’s love, music, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.