Robert R. 'Bob' Richter

April 20, 1930 - March 8, 2021

Bob passed away peacefully on Monday, March 8, 2021 at home with his wife Doris by his side. I am heartbroken but know that he is at peace and free from the cares of this earth. His spirit will always be with me.
 
Bob was born in St. Louis, MO on April 20, 1930 to Francis (Frank) and Adele Beirne Richter. He graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1948. He attended the University of Missouri in Rolla, MO and graduated with a degree in Geology in 1953. He enjoyed writing for the student newspaper and had his own column highlighting his humor and observations of student life. After graduation he joined the Navy and attended OCS at New Port, RI. He served his country in the US Navy as the Executive Officer for 3 years (1953-1956) in the Pacific fleet on the USS Mataco. He taught school (math) in Kemmerer, WY, Chicago, and St. Louis before making Utah his home in 1964. He worked for the Bureau of Mines and then as a caregiver at St. Joseph's Villa, the Work Activity Center, and numerous other organizations serving disabled and handicapped adults and children. He was a compassionate, patient, and loving caregiver and touched many of those he served. 
 
Bob was grateful to be a member of the Knights of Columbus. He cherished his Catholic faith. He was active as a lector and minister to the sick and homebound thru out his life. He had a beautiful tenor voice and especially enjoyed singing in several Catholic Church Choirs and at St. Joseph's Villa with his wife Doris. Bob and Doris are members and promoters of the Association of the Miraculous Medal located in Perryville, MO.
 
Bob became a family man when he married his best friend Doris Ann Pulliam on Feb. 7,1997 at St. Vince de Paul Catholic Church. He loved and supported his new family of two boys Joseph Rylant (Nichole) and Michael Rylant (Nicole)  and daughter Kathleen Ann Larsen Harrison (Jeffrey). He welcomed each of the eleven grandchildren – Howie (Addie) and Ethan Rylant; Gregory, Harrison, and Jessah An Rylant; Isabella Love, Alexander, Kami Joy, Christian, Faith Lilly, and Hope Harmony Harrison; also  new great-grandson Arlo Joseph Rylant. He was always happy to hear from his brother-in law Thomas Anthony Pulliam (Dodie) of Climax, GA, his sister-in-law Linda Jane Pulliam of Williams, CA, and brother-in-law Joseph Henry Pulliam (Helga) of San Antonio, TX and nephew Stephan Pulliam of San Antonio, TX. Bob loved his only sibling Jane Forrest (Tom) and her son Gregory Forrest (Suzanne) of Pleasanton, CA, and his Gantz family cousins of St. Louis, MO. He loved all his friends, too numerous to name, but I'm sure you know who you are and how much you meant to him.
 
The family wishes to thank Community Nursing Services for their loving and compassionate care of Bob and Doris in Bob's final days. Our thanks also to Monsignor Francis Mannion, the Starks family, Vince Clark, Sam and Lori Hill, and Mark Dewyea.
 
Vigil service will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 from 6pm-8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 1:00 pm, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Utah Veterans Memorial Park (17111 South Camp Williams Road Bluffdale, Utah 84065).

In Loving Memory

Dearest Doris and Family, We’re saddened with news of Bob’s passing. We send our love and deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Garth & Sandy

Garth & Sandy Limb

West Jordan, Ut

Dear Doris & Family: Uncle Bob and I became reacquainted over the last few years (thanks Doris!) as it has been many years since my family had seen each other in person (we are just all too independent). Bob was one of the most inquisitive men I knew and always strived to understand the things around him. His body could not keep up with his mind. But his real strength was his humble kindness – the calm he would bring. It seems Bob dedicated his life to helping others and I know he will be repaid for this in Heaven. He has set and great example for all of us. Suzanne and I send our sympathy and our prayers.

Suzanne & Gregory Forrest

pleasanton, CA

Thank you, Doris, for such a beautiful obituary! Like everyone who knew and loved Bob, our lives will be forever graced by his kindness, compassion, intelligence, and soulful gaze. With a veritable cornucopia of treasured memories (Bob and I could spend hours dissecting that expression - and probably did!) - he will remain in our hearts and mind always. Family anecdotes will reign forever. Our family was more than abundantly-blessed for having Bob part of our lives for so long - a true gift of a lifetime. With much love, George and Jane Starks

George Starks

Anacortes, WA

I have enrolled Robert in a year of Masses by the Missionaries of LaSallete. My husband Dick and son John knew Bob through the Knights of Columbus Council 602.

Marie Kane

Taylorsville, UT

Just wanted to pass along love and prayers. My parents were Gordon and Patricia Gantz --- My dad Gordon Gantz and Bob were cousins. Bob's name (and Doris) came up many times over the course of the years. I feel like I lost a friend as well ...even though I am not sure if Bob and I ever met. I wish you and all your family God's Peace.

Joseph Gantz

Johnson City, TN

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