Dolores M. Richter (nee Horstmann), age 85, of St. Rose, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, in Breese IL, with family by her side. Dolores was born October 29, 1938, on the family farm in St. Rose, IL, the beloved daughter of the late John and Regina (nee Voss) Horstmann.
Dolores married James “Jim” Richter on April 24, 1957, at St. Rose Catholic Church and he survives in St. Rose. Together they were blessed with six children, Mike Richter of St. Rose, Gail (Bob) Ohren of Alhambra, Bonnie (Glen) Zurliene of New Baden, Jan (Gary) Moenster of Highland, Kim (Keith) Tallman of Belleville, and Tim (Christine) Richter of Breese; 17 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. Additionally, Dolores is survived by her sisters, Pat Jansen and Rita (Mike) Tebbe; brothers, Bill (fiancée, Marsha) Horstman and John (Elaine) Horstmann; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita Horstmann, George Beer, Joanne Rehkemper, and Dolores “Babe” Cotton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Dolores was preceded in death by her sister, Joann Beer; brothers, Bob Horstmann and Jim (Rita) Horstmann; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry J. and Cecila (nee Huene) Richter; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Andy Jansen, Jerome Rehkemper, Don (Ruth) Richter, Stanley “Butch” (Pauline) Richter, Cornelius “Dick” (Betty) Richter, Tom (Margie) Richter, Clarence Schrage, and Stanley Timmermann
Over Dolores and Jims 67 years of marriage, they built a life filled with love guided by their faith, and a tremendous commitment to their farm and kids. Dolores held immense pride and joy having a centennial dairy farm, raising registered Holsteins. Together they valued giving tours and hosting guests on the farm. An annual family tradition was a hayride on Dolores’s birthday and a hunt for persimmons to predict the winter weather. In 2011, a tornado destroyed their farm, but not their spirit, they rebuilt within 6 months.
Dolores was a 4-H leader for more than 25 years and all six children were 4-H members. She helped her kids with a variety of projects from baking, sewing, and photography, to showing rabbits and cattle. She believed, “practice made perfect” or “many hands made light work”, so her children always worked together on their 4-H projects. Most summers were spent showing the dairy cows at a variety of county and state fairs. Dolores always prepared a picnic lunch of fried chicken or summer sausage sandwiches for the family to eat while at the fair. She also hosted International Foreign Youth Exchange (IFYE) students from Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Dolores being the eldest daughter, she never graduated from high school but instead she helped her parents on their farm and cared for her siblings. In 1976, she earned her GED, her family was so proud of her accomplishment. She was the happiest while crocheting or being at her sewing machine making clothing, curtains, and quilts. Many handmade afghans and quilts have been gifted to her children, grandchildren, and to the annual St. Rose picnic. She also loved the earth and had a garden that produced an abundance of flowers and vegetables.
Dolores was a servant of God and a woman of faith attending church in-person or on EWTN. When visiting, you could always find her in the recliner saying the rosary or praying for friends and family. Prayers before meals and bed was also a rite of passage. A memorable trip Dolores and Jim shared was to the Holy Land. She was the Chief Home Officer, and was employed by Highland Home, Jo Miller Drapery, and the Clinton County Health Department.
Dolores was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and Altar Sodality, leader of Golden Age Club, Clinton County Home Extension, Illinois Holstein Association, Clinton County Holstein Association holding positions of Secretary and Treasurer, Clinton County Farm Bureau, and St. Rose Development Club.
She will be missed by both family and friends. The family is grateful to the health care professionals for making her final days joyful and comfortable.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose with Fr. Edward Schaefer presiding. Interment will take place at a later date.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the 4-H Foundation, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, or wishes of the family and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
