Mary Richter

Mary Rose Richter passed away on September 7, 2024. She was 87.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, Sept. 12, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck. A rosary followed by a vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at Menoken Cemetery, Menoken.

Mary Rose was born on the family farm in Braddock, ND on Oct. 12, 1936, the eldest child of Raymond and Mildred (Kippes) Splonskowski. Some of her most cherished childhood memories were working alongside her father on the farm. She attended school for several years in Richardton with the Benedictine sisters and monks, graduating from St. Mary’s boarding school.

On Feb. 14, 1957, at a Valentine's Day dance, Mary met Victor Richter. Mary and Victor were married at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Oct. 26, 1957, presided by her three uncles who were Benedictine priests. They were blessed with fourteen children: four daughters and ten sons. Mary and Victor spent their lives embracing the Catholic Faith, raising their family, and expanding the Richter farm.

St. John Paul II taught, “One cannot fully find oneself without making a sincere gift of oneself.” Mom did. Mom’s entire life was a humble, patient, peaceful, daily making of a sincere gift of herself. Her self-giving was truly remarkable, not just to her children but to so many who knew her.

Mary was a model of motherhood. Many young wives and mothers sought her out for her wisdom and encouragement, strengthening them to live marriage and family life with grace. St. Francis de Sales said that there is nothing more gentle than true strength, and nothing more strong than true gentleness. Mom incarnated this truth in flesh and blood, inspiring many other women to want to do the same.

There is nothing more powerful than goodness. Mom often said, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Her life proved her words to be true. Her power was in her goodness. Because of her goodness, her children wanted to please her. Through this, she taught her children the very motive for living the Christian life: wanting to be true and pleasing to God because He is so good to us.

We are very grateful to God for the extraordinary mother He gave to us, particularly for the last few years we had to enjoy her. Her daughter, Mary Ann, and her husband, Leland, opened their home to Mom and cared for her. The family will be forever grateful for their sacrifice.

Mary is survived by her 14 children and their spouses: Gary (Coreen) Richter, Marlyn (Susan) Richter, Mary Ann (Leland) Vetter, Paul "Luke" (Amy) Richter, Colleen (Tim) Reisenauer, John (Sandy) Richter, Monsignor Thomas Richter, Father David Richter, Marc (Jill) Richter, Patrick (Denise) Richter, Jerome (Sara) Richter, Andrew Richter, Teresa (Blake) Fiedler, and Lisa (Matthew) Prindiville; 62 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Agnes Vetter, Rita Falconer, and Alice Schatz; four brothers: Paul, Francis, Marvin, and Jerry.

She was preceded in death by her husband Victor; parents, Raymond and Mildred; sisters, Ann and Helen; brother, John, and infant brother, Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make gifts to: "Women’s Care Center" by sending your gift to 614 N. 4th St., Bismarck, ND 58501; and/or “St. Mary Sisters” at PO Box 2576, Bismarck, ND 58502-2576.