Marguerite (Marge) Richter

Marguerite Louise Richter

September 21, 1933 – May 27, 2025

Marguerite (Marge) Richter, 91, passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Terrace May 27th in Mount Morris, Illinois. Marge was born September 21,1933 in Winona, MN to William and Alvina Morse. She graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1950 and subsequently attended Winona State Teachers College.

Marge married her high school sweetheart Ronald Richter on November 22, 1952, and enjoyed nearly 69 years of marriage. She and Ron raised their family of three children, Joan, Tom and Tim in Winona, the Quad Cities of Illinois-Iowa and the suburbs of Chicago.

Marge’s early married life was devoted to being a mother, housewife and caretaker to all. She volunteered in the school lunchroom, participated in the PTA, was a “Welcome Wagon” lady, hosted bridge club events, enjoyed being a brownie troop leader, chauffeured her boys to little league games and all three kids to various activities, ensuring the neighborhood youth always had an abundance of cookies and Kool-Aid to keep them going.

But when the nest was empty, Marge turned her sights to a professional career of her own. She parlayed a part-time YMCA fundraising position into a twenty-plus year career in financial services, first with Louis Joliet Bank in Joliet Illinois, then as Vice President and Marketing Officer for Suburban Trust and Savings in Oak Park, Illinois.

Marge was unique, special and one-of-a-kind - setting high standards for herself and her family. She appreciated all things presented well and “nice.” The thoughtful personalized gift, the well-wrapped package, the outfit and accessories that matched. She deplored anything she deemed as ‘‘schlocky.”  She was never fond of bowling, boasting, Jell-O or cursing. Marge often rearranged the furniture just because. Her home was always decorated inside and out for every season and holiday. Her surroundings were impeccably ordered and most importantly clean. Each meal was served at the dining room table with table coverings, a centerpiece and a different set of china to match the occasion.

Most certainly, Marge was committed and dedicated to dessert.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between - anytime was the right time for something sweet, whether ice cream, pie, cookies, bars, brownies, candy or cake.  A coffee accompaniment was common. The pot was always on, regular, decaf, flavored even half-caff.  Cream and sugar preferred and ever present for those to partake.

For guest visits and holiday stays, “magic coffee” always made a miraculous morning appearance outside your bedroom door. Your own special pot served with homemade pastries, scones or coffeecake.

Marge had a great deal of energy and was ever resourceful. She could fix a broken lamp or change a tire and excelled in vacuum repair. She was a voracious reader until her eyesight failed her – preferring good mysteries, mostly. She enjoyed playing bridge, dominoes and card games, was the family’s “queen of Quiddler” and always relished a game of bocce in the backyard where she and Ron regularly beat the younger family members.

Marge & Ron enjoyed traveling across the USA from California to the Ozarks, South Dakota badlands to midwestern bed & breakfasts, a world’s fair in Knoxville and fall colors of New England. She abhorred hot weather and believed that air conditioning, a microwave and the dishwasher were some of mankind’s most important inventions.

Marge had a great sense of humor and was always up for a good time or an “Uncle Wiggly” adventure. She could often be heard singing generational ditties (like the 1906 goodie Cheyenne…”Shy Ann, Shy Ann, hop on my pony there’s room here for two dear…”)  or reciting classic idioms like “that’s okay, Rose would say, don’t you worry none!”

Most importantly, Marge was a kind soul with a big and caring heart. She will be missed and remembered by her family and all who had the pleasure to know her.

She is survived by her three children, Joan Powers, Tom and Tim Richter, their spouses Mike, Ellen, (Lyons) and Barb (Melby), two grandchildren Timothy Joshua Richter (partner Abby Doherty) and Hannah Nicole Richter, brother Bill Morse (wife Jo Ann), sister Linda Ward (husband Clay), nephew Brian Bailey (wife Marge).  She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Carol Bailey and Katherine Volkman.

A private family celebration of life will be held; no public visitation or service is planned. In honor of Marge, donations to The Salvation Army or Red Cross would be appreciated.