TRISKA FUNERAL HOME
Edwin Elmer Lee Richter of El Campo passed away on December 16, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born January 21, 1930 to Edwin Carl and Alwine Dora Zieschang Richter at their home in Thorndale, Texas. He attended the Lutheran school in Thorndale, where he learned to speak English since German was all the family spoke. He dropped out of school after eight years to help on the farm. On June 5, 1949 he married his first love, Martha Lee Ebner. They lived in Taylor, Texas for a short time then in 1953, he was offered a job at Isaacson & Carrico Manufacturing Company (I-C) in El Campo. His work at I-C started as a sewing machine mechanic, and evolved into a production manager that helped open their second and third locations. Edwin's patience shown through during that time as he had to supervise hundreds of ladies every day. The company's logo of "I-C Your Panties" was often joked about. He retired from there after 42 years. To fill his time, he took up yard work, baking and even drove cars for Von Der Au Ford.
Edwin's life in El Campo revolved around family and church. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and later Christ Lutheran Church. He served his church community as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, council member and president, Luther League sponsor, choir director, Supper Club member, helped to organize the first Sausage Fest, visitation and cards to shut-in members and residents at Garden Villa.
After 49 years of marriage he lost Martha in 1998. It was not long before he found his second love, Jeanette Schumaker Castle. They married in 1999 and were together for 25 years before his passing. During his time with Jeanette, his love for yard work continued to grow. They spent many hours a day to produce perfect grass, beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens they shared with the family. Jeanette also helped him in the kitchen with his baking. He always had cookies in the freezer in case his grandkids and great grandkids came over. He was best known for his spice raisin cookies which the family just called "Opa Cookies". His freezer already has the cookies he baked for everyone's Christmas gift.
Edwin is survived by his wife, Jeanette; son Gary Richter and wife Christine; daughter Cynthia Richter; daughter Donna Janik and husband Larry. Grandchildren: Liz Janik Conrad and husband Jason; Jason Janik and wife Kristin; Kimber Janik Kelley and husband Seth. Great grandchildren: Cameron and Carter Conrad, Hunter and Avary Janik and Payton, Addison and Kenzlee Kelley. His family grew by adding step granddaughter Marissa McCoy and son Luke Gibbs. All of El Campo. Jeanette also added to his family with Rhonda Houston; Monty Castle and wife Carolyn; and David Castle. Six more grandchildren; Philip Houston, Alice Houston Mayfield, Paul Houston, Cora Castle, John Castle, Dustin Castle and Dianna; and seven more great grandchildren. No matter the number, he had enough love to share with them all alike.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Martha; brother Melvin Ray Richter; step-son-in-law Karl Houston; step-grandson Arthur Castle.
Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Triska Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM, December 23, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church with Rev. Wayne Clement officiating. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Pall bearers will be Jason Janik, Jason Conrad, Seth Kelley, Cameron Conrad, Hunter Janik and Carter Conrad. Honorary pallbearers are his other grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorials can be given to Christ Lutheran Church in El Campo.
Condolences and memories maybe shared with the family at www.triskafuneralhome.com.
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