Donald Richert

Donald George Richert was born in Springfield, the fourth of five children to Robert and Rose (Riebel) Richert, in 1936 and died on his farm on Thursday, August 29th, 2013. Donald graduated in 1953 from Springfield High School. On May 26, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joan Sellner of Sleepy Eye at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Their family life was blessed with 7 children and now 24 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. Donald and Joan raised their family on the farm near Cobden, Minnesota. He enjoyed producing quality livestock and growing crops. He was active in the agricultural community serving as director of state and Brown county pork producers, 4-H leader, and as a seed dealer. He also served on the Prairieville township board as clerk for 25 years. As a member of the St. Raphael's parish he was active on the parish finance board, maintenance committee, school board, mass usher, and was a CCD teacher for countless years. His favorite past times were having conversation with all that crossed his path and making people laugh with a joke, to polka, or being the "tickle monster" to his grand kids. He enjoyed bringing Santa to not only his own grandchildren, but countless other children in our communities. Don was an avid gardener and like any loyal farmer, nurturing any plant or wayward animal that came across his path. Grandpa was the first to be on the spot for any of his children or grandchildren needing a ride or a supporter at a sports activity or 4-H event. Surviving Donald are his wife, Joan and children Mike and wife Kaye (Kolkmeyer), children - Jaime - daughter Jordyn, William and girlfriend Vicki - sons Benjamin and Lucas. Cindy Johnson children - Joseph and wife Hannah - son Sterling and daughter Mircea, Michael - daughter Maddy, Anne and husband Jason Veldhuis. Sue and husband Brad Wood - Steven and fiance Stephanie, Sarah and husband Joel Vint and daughter Kella, Brian, and Matthew. Mary and husband Tom Portner children - Boston, Sabrina, Isabella, Crystal and Sophia. Barb and husband Todd Egenes children - Nicole and husband Adam , Kristin, Megan, and Kayla. Brian and wife Fawne (Rankin) children - Jacob and Morgan. Chris and wife Sally (Anderson) children - Samantha, Noah and Logan. Also surviving Donald are his brothers Roland (Lenore) and Kenneth and sister Avona Bielen. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and granddaughter Emily. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, September 2, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel 407 N. Jackson Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Second Visitation 9:30 am - 10:30 am Tuesday, September 3, 2013 St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Springfield, MN 112 West Van Dusen Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Service Information 10:30 am Tuesday, September 3, 2013 St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Springfield, MN 112 West Van Dusen Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Interment Information St. Raphael's Catholic Cemetery 395th Ave. Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087