Charles Richter

Charles Arthur Richter, born December 15, 1945, in Edgerton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. Defined by his devotion, quiet grace, and unwavering dependability, he was a loving husband and devoted father. His love for his family was his guiding light, his purpose, and his greatest joy.

His humble beginnings in Edgerton shaped his values and the man he would become—a beacon of strength and stability for his family. He graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1965 and later married the love of his life, Carin Weiss, in September 1998. Charles was a man of unwavering integrity who lived with a steadfast commitment to his loved ones and his faith. He was raised in the Catholic faith, which provided a strong foundation for a lifetime of devotion. In his adult years, he embraced the Baptist faith and became a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Charlie proudly answered the call to serve and served his country with honor in the United States Navy aboard the USS Arneb from October 1966 to October 1968. He was a true sailor at heart, carrying the discipline, loyalty, and camaraderie of the Navy throughout his life.

Following his military service, Charlie built a career as an auto mechanic and spent 37 years with Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, Illinois, before retiring in 2000. His work ethic was unmatched. He was recognized by family, friends, and colleagues as an exceptionally hardworking man who spared no effort in striving for excellence.

In his free time, Charlie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed camping, birdwatching, gardening, and riding his Harley-Davidson. Whether tending to his plants, observing nature, exploring the open road, or spending time outdoors with family, he appreciated the beauty of God's creation and cherished the peace these hobbies brought him.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Carin; daughter, Shelli Harris (Keith); grandson, Brendan Martin (Jaynie); great-grandson, Kaine Martin; sister, Mary Fielder; nephew, Kevin Fielder; niece, Karla Saffer; sister-in-law, Diane Richter; nieces, Elizabeth Schauer (Jack) and Christine Cary (Joseph); nephew, Michael Lytle; and sister-in-law, Ingrid Weiss. He was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Theresa M. Richter; his brother, John A. Richter; and his brother-in-law, Gerald Fielder.

Charlie's life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of commitment, and the beauty of a life well-lived. He was the embodiment of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."

A Celebration of Life Ceremony to honor Charlie will be held September 18, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI. Please join us as we gather for a service filled with fellowship, stories, love, and laughter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Rotary Botanical Gardens. A military tribute with full honors will be held at the ceremony. His final resting place will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Charles on the memorial page. Celebrate his life, legacy, and the love he shared with all of us. Let us remember Charlie with joy and gratitude for the love he shared and the life he lived. A true "Gentleman" and "Gentle Man."