He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale. He graduated from William Adams High School, Alice, Texas, in 1953 and served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957.

He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1961 with a degree in agricultural economics.

He married the love of his life, Melva Woelfel, Dec. 27, 1959. They celebrated their 61st anniversary prior to Melva’s passing in 2021.

A self-employed farmer/rancher/engineer/ mechanic, Fred was a strong, hardworking man with a kind, gentle spirit. His faith in God and his patience made him well-suited for this profession. A farmer at heart, this was his life, not just a job.

He was always thinking about how he could make things work better.

Fred faithfully attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving as an elder for 35 years. He served on the Williamson County Farm Bureau board since 1987 and previously served as director of Texas Cotton Growers Cooperation, Thorndale Co-op and Lower Brushy Creek Water Control & Improvement District.

He was a member of the Williamson County Crops Committee for 52 years. He also was a past member of the Texas Young Farmers, receiving the Area VII Star Young Farmer award in 1969 and 1970. He was named 1970 Master Farmer of the Community by the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce and 1998 Area Farmer of the Year by the Thorndale Chamber.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Martin and Adele (Lehman) Woelfel; brother Eugene Richter; brothers-inlaw Jim Pryor, Sonny Glazener, Ed Richter and Arthur Woelfel; sister-in-law Nyoka Richter; and niece Kimberly Collier.

Survivors include his son Vincent Richter (Mary) of Thrall; daughters Vickie Korenek (Alan) of Rockdale, Darlene Rippamonti (Anthony) of Victoria and Lavonne Berdoll (Lance) of Bastrop; grandchildren Gretchen Rodgers (Brandon), Maia Richter (fiancé Tyler Carpenter), Randy Korenek (Matilda), Garrett Korenek (fiancée Lani Denman), Hannah Rippamonti, Kaylee Berdoll (fiancé Jimmie Smith) and Travis Berdoll (Kaitlyn); 11 great-grandchildren; brother Harry Richter (Judy) of Kingsland; sisters Alice Glazener of Kingsland and Diane Locklin (Scott) of Thorndale; sisterin- law Dee Richter of Thorndale; and several nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

A funeral service was Jan. 16 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers included Rance Richter, David Richter, James Pryor, Steve Richter, Greg Hengst, Billy Felfe, Karl Schneider, Edgar Iselt and Ronnie Lehmann.

Cousins Raymond Zoch, Kenneth Richter and Conrad Nietsch and the directors of Williamson County Farm Bureau served as honorary pallbearers.

The family wishes to thank doctors Condado and Stancoven, as well as the entire cardiology team, at Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock, for their many years of competent care as well as the staff and residents at SPJST Skilled Nursing for their care, friendship and support over the past few months. You are all a blessing to us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church General Fund or Build The Vision Fund, PO Box 369, Thorndale, Texas 76577.

Fred leaves a legacy of honest, hard work and Christian values to his loving family and will never be forgotten.

Services were under the direction of Providence Funeral Home of Taylor, Texas.