Robert “Bob” Richter

Minot

After a year of declining health and serious complications in the last month, Robert Richter, 84, Minot, ND, passed away with a smile on his face Saturday, May 4, 2024, in his home.

What is the measure of a life well lived? A good day in the life for Bob meant a long motorcycle ride on a beautiful day, shooting the bull with good friends, spending some time reading, and sharing dinner with his beloved wife, Pat. At the end of his life, Bob had many miles on his motorcycle, more friends than he could count, had read more books and magazines than most could dream of, and he had the love of a wonderful family. By all accounts, he had a life well lived.

Robert (Bob) Raymond Richter was born in Glenwood City, WI on November 14, 1939, to Albert and Emma (Frank) Richter. His father passed away when he was two years old and after several years spent on the farm, he and his mom moved to town. Bob spent a few years living with his older brothers Donald and Harold before he joined the Air Force after he graduated high school. He was stationed in Morocco for a year before being stationed at the Radar Base in Minot, ND in 1959. He served in the military through 1963 and joined the Minot Police Department after he was discharged from the Air Force. He worked as a police officer for 7 years. He met his wife, Patricia (Pat) Paulus, through mutual friends, in 1968. They were married on January 3, 1969, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Drake, ND. They had two daughters, Carlen and Janel. After leaving the police force, he worked at the airport in the fueling department. He began working part time at Minot Motorcycle Sales. Eventually he transitioned to full time and the shop changed its name to Action Sports. In 1985, Bob and his friend, Danny Messmore, bought the Kawasaki franchise rights and inventory and opened Action Cycles Inc. with a couple different partners. They owned and operated Action Cycles, also known as the “bike shop” until 2015 when they sold the franchise and retired. His commute home from work routinely took almost an hour because he would take “the long way home” on his motorcycle.

The bike shop became a second home for many of their friends who would stop by every day to visit Bob and Danny while they worked on their repairs. A container of quarters sat on the desk for anyone who wanted to “buy themselves a coke” from the machine. Their friends would bring their children and dogs who were always welcome in the shop as well. It was a place for people to find community and friendship. Though no one can recall exactly where the nickname came from, the bike shop is where Bob earned the nickname, “Old Poop,” — a handle that stuck with him the rest of his life.

Bob’s love of motorcycles originated from his brother Donald. He became an expert on vintage British motorcycles and Kawasakis. He raced Hodakas in the late 1960s and Kawasakis in the early 1970s. Bob and Danny rode trials bikes in competitions from 2002-2013. Bob had a great love of small vehicles and was known for his original Mini Cooper, his early Toyota Corona, and various other small cars. He had a great interest in many things and would read extensively on planes, trains, cars, and history. He had been known to drive all the way to his favorite book shop, Shinders, in St. Paul, MN just to get a particular magazine or book he wanted.

Friendship and community were important to Bob. Breakfast with his buddies, an open door at the bike shop, and attending many sporting events at Bishop Ryan and Minot State were common places for people to spend time visiting with Bob. His friends and family were important to him. He was outspoken and often cynical. His cantankerous personality lent itself to

the appearance of being big and tough but seeing him with a dog or a baby and that facade dropped quickly.

Bob and Pat celebrated 55 years of marriage in January. Their marriage is a beautiful example of a life of love and respect. One where two people enjoyed spending time together as well as each having their own interests and hobbies. Their family is blessed by their example of dedication and loyalty. They greatly enjoyed spending time with their four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob and Pat spent many years supporting Bishop Ryan Catholic Schools and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

Bob received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist and joined the Catholic Church on Sunday, April 28th, 2024. We are reminded of Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard who received the same day’s wages regardless of how long they worked.

His loving family includes: wife of 55 years, Pat; children, Carlen (Robert) Heninger and Janel (Mark) Mindt; and numerous family members, Megan (Cody) Vandall, Brandon (Sierra) Hardy, Nick (Abby) Hardy, Piper Mindt, Savannah Vandall, Eden Vandall, Lon Hardy and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Emma, his brothers and their wives, Harold (Gloria) Richter and Donald (Audrey) Richter.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to Bishop Ryan Catholic Schools and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 10, 2024.