Frank Joseph Richter

September 7, 1942-January 14, 2025

F.J. Richter, 82, of Bennington, Nebraska passed in his home surrounded by loved ones on January 14, 2025.

F.J. was born in Sycamore, Illinois, to Edmund and Mildred (Nemec) Richter.  The family relocated to Spencer, Nebraska, where F.J. was raised on the family farm just outside of town.  After graduation, he relocated to Omaha where he worked for St. Joseph Hospital and attended the University of Omaha.  For six years he served as a member of the Nebraska National Guard as a Medic and had a lifelong respect for all who served.  He later joined the Brandeis Department Store working up to Assistant Store Manager. In the late 1970’s, Brandeis relocated him to Grand Island as Store Manager where he oversaw construction of the new department store in that community.  During his time in Grand Island, he became a Fourth Degree member of Knights of Columbus, served as a volunteer firefighter for the Grand Island Fire Department, and was elected Chairman of the Red Cross Board of Directors.  When the Grand Island tornadoes struck in 1980, F.J. was a part of the local Red Cross response.  This sparked his love for humanitarian work and led him towards a long career with the American Red Cross as a Mass Care Officer. Over the years he was assigned to many large disasters leading feeding and sheltering operations which touched the lives of thousands in affected communities.  In recognition of his work on several disasters in Kentucky he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 1984.  F.J. also served as head of the sub-delegation for the International Red Cross in Port Sudan, Sudan during the 1985 famine.

In 1982, he met Sue Wieting who was also working with the American Red Cross.  They married in 1983, enjoying more than 40 years of marriage.  During their marriage they experienced living in many cities around the nation as well as frequent travel for business and pleasure.  He was a loving husband and father.  In addition to his wife and daughter, he had a great love for his cats.  Those who knew him knew of his appreciation of his various collectables and pride in his home and yard projects.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughter, Jane; granddaughter, Lauren; sister Gladys; and brother James.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl; and parents.

MEMORIAL MASS:  Thursday, January 23, 2025, 10:30AM, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Drive, Omaha with VISITATION beginning at 9:30AM.

INTERMENT: Shiloh Cemetery, Villa Ridge, Illinois

Memorials are kindly suggested to The American Red Cross

To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at top of the home page.