Erwin William "Rick" Richter

Erwin William Richter, known to many as Rick, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on January 2, 2026. He was born in 1934 in Ironwood, Michigan, and was a lifelong student and teacher whose dedication to education left a lasting legacy.

Rick graduated from high school in 1952 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Michigan University. He continued his academic journey with a Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 1970.

For over three decades, Rick shared his passion for chemistry as a professor at the University of Northern Iowa. Before that, he spent six years teaching in the public schools of Michigan. Whether in the classroom or on the slopes, Rick's love for learning and adventure was evident in everything he did.

In August of 1959, Rick married Bonnie Mason, with whom he had a daughter, Heidi Noonan Day. Rick and Bonnie later divorced. In June of 1982 Rick, and Mary Pamela (Pam) Richter were married. Together, they shared many remarkable adventures, from walking the Great Wall of China to cruising the Nile River. They climbed volcanoes in Hawaii and Italy, marveled at the Serengeti's wildlife, and even tagged dolphins in the Caribbean off the coast of Belize. They explored vineyards in Spain and Portugal, went whale watching in the Maritime Provinces, and more.

Outside of his academic and travel pursuits, Rick was an avid skier, a member of the National Ski Patrol, and a frequent visitor to the slopes of Colorado and Utah. His love for nature extended to his passion for fishing, which took him across the Great Lakes, both oceans, the lakes of Ontario, and the Gulf of Mexico.

In the late 1980s, Rick developed a deep interest in woodcarving, creating numerous pieces, most notably old-world Santa Clauses, which have become cherished family heirlooms.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Pam; his daughters, Kris Clowers (Greg) and Heidi Noonan Day (Jeff); his son, Monte Meyer (Dyan); grandchildren: Mason Meyer (Hailey), Holden Meyer, Elyse Meyer, Kaili Meyer, Kayla Baker, Lauren Baker, and Luke Meyer; his brother, Ray Richter; and his many nieces and nephews. Rick is preceded in death by his mother; father; and brothers, Don and Tom.

Rick's legacy as a teacher, traveler, adventurer, and family man will live on in the memories of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Rick's family will honor him with a Celebration of Life at St. John Lutheran Church of Cedar Falls on April 17 at 11:00 am with one hour of Visitation prior to the Service. Friends and family are welcome to attend and remember a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to  Love Inc. Cedar Valley, 2603 Rainbow Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 or Cedar Valley Hospice, PO Box 2880, Waterloo, IA  50704-2880.