Lt. Col. Harold K. Richter

Services and Interment for Lt. Col. Harold Kenneth Richter USAF, age 97, will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, IL on July 19, 2024, at 10:30 am.

Hal was born July 19, 1926, in Chicago, IL to Harold and Gertrude Richter and passed away peacefully, on April 17, 2024, in Barrington, IL. 

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Sandra Richter and their children David Richter (Lori) and Stephanie Mulligan (Sean). Hal is also survived by children, John Richter, Becky Burke, and Debbie Marshall, and grandchildren, Jack Richter, Ryan Mulligan, Connor Mulligan, Parker Mulligan, Jonathan Marshall, Kimberly Burke, and Amanda Burke. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Harold Richter Jr. and granddaughter, Allison Richter. 

Hal grew up in the Chicago area and attended North Park Academy, Class of 1944. He earned an associate’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Following in the family printing business, he joined the Richter-McCall Co. to eventually become the company’s president. He later partnered with a friend and continued his printing career at Data-Com-Graphics, working until age 88. Clients stayed with Hal for decades due to his loyalty, honest business ethics and integrity.

While he spent his civilian life in the printing industry, he was most proud of his military service, and if you knew Hal, you knew which service was his only choice. An aviation enthusiast from his youth, his 38-year military career began when he reported for active duty in the Army Air Corps in June of 1944 to serve in WWII. Harold remained in service as the Air Corps became the Air Force to serve in the Korean War. He remained in the USAF Reserves until 1981, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He remained active in the local VFW, walking in the local parades, visiting schools, fundraising and he served as the chaplain for 11 years.

He was the definition of class with his calm manner, compassion, and legendary sense of humor. Hal was easy to approach and had an ability to listen and respond with such wise and thoughtful advice. He will be so incredibly missed.