Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

Alvin Richter

July 27, 1926–May 11, 2021

Alvin Richter, a long-time resident of Dayton, passed away on May 11, 2021. He was 94 years old.

Alvin was born to Alfred and Bessie (Petricka) Richter in Montgomery, Minn., on July 27, 1926. They moved to Dayton in 1934, where Alfred helped establish successful green pea and asparagus production for Green Giant Company.

Young Alvin soon made friends in Dayton. He and his "gang" enjoyed a life of adventure along the Touchet River across the street from his house. Those kids had an entire river, woods, a cabin, basketball hoop, island, many stick swords, and a swamp all to themselves. Their adventures formed deep bonds of loyalty and friendship among them.

A good athlete, Alvin played football and basketball and ran track for Dayton High. After high school, Alvin served in the U.S. Navy aboard the submarine tender USS Fulton. As an electrician's mate, he helped repair submarines that were damaged during missions in the Pacific theatre of WWII. After the war, Alvin studied Agronomy at WSC (now WSU). On a trip to Minn., he met the beautiful Inez Ziska in Montgomery, and after a short courtship they married in 1948.

Alvin dreamed of teaching and coaching basketball. Instead, he was given a farm and young family to care for. As the cliché' goes, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." But Alvin did more than that. He chose to plant the seeds and faithfully tend the life given him, trusting God to grow it. His faith, patience and hard work blessed us with a whole orchard full of the best things in life.

For 50+ years, Alvin farmed wheat, barley, peas and grass seed in Columbia County. He was a forward-thinking, responsible steward of the soil. He saw to it that the eroded mud in roadside ditches was never his topsoil. Alvin built a house and home in Dayton; an amazing stronghold and lively gathering place for Inez and the boys. He was a charter member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dayton and served the church in a variety of roles. He was a friend to all who met him.

Alvin and Inez were married for 51 years. After Inez passed away in 1999, Alvin moved to Walla Walla where he met Shirley Klein, who became his best friend. They married in 2005 and spent their time traveling, building friendships and enjoying precious, peaceful years together at The Trees condominiums where they lived.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his three sons and their wives; John (Sharon), Carl (Sue) and Joe (Linda). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

-Submitted photo

Alvin will be remembered as a sweet, capable and decent man. His quiet nature could make it easy to miss his great strength, sense of humor and well-ordered mind. He was a wonderful husband and dad. His grandkids adored him. We still love him so.

A remembrance of Alvin's life will take place in Dayton on Saturday, May 29. Internment at Dayton Cemetery is scheduled for 1 p.m., with a memorial service following at 2 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Alvin dearly loved dogs (they loved him, too!) and deeply respected the work of hospice. Donations can be made to an animal rescue or hospice organization of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Alvin was a man of faith who firmly trusted in the risen Christ and was ready to go home to Him. Rest in Him, Dad. We'll see you soon.