William Joseph Richter, age 85, a longtime Hobart resident passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2016. He was born on April 4, 1931 in Gary, Indiana to the late William A. and Catherine Richter (nee Lynch). He graduated from Catholic Central High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Bill worked for 39 years at AT&T (Lucent Technologies). While employed at AT&T, he received his bachelors degree from St Joseph College, Calumet. After retirement he continued working as the "Telephone Man" for his own business, Richter Communications, serving many businesses in Northwest Indiana. He was a member of St. Bridget Church and a Red Coat volunteer at St. Mary Medical Center. Our father's legacy of being a proud veteran, a faithful family man and an individual with an ardent work ethic will forever be embraced by those who loved him.

He is survived by ten children, Cheryl (Frank) Severa of Mishawaka, IN; Pamela (Kevin) Fitzgerald of Valparaiso, IN; Michele Rusboldt of Thornton, CO; Lisa (John) Hargarten of Valparaiso, IN; David (Carol) Richter of Hobart, IN; James (Sarah) Richter of Hobart, IN; Thomas (Anna) Richter of Carmel, IN; Sylvia Richter of Hebron, IN; Jeanine (Charles) Daugherty of Naperville, IL; Paul (Kelly) Richter of Hobart, IN; two sisters, Marjorie (Roy) Hefner of Kouts, IN; Charlotte (the late Leo) Meskis of Cicero, IN; 31 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Richter (nee Govert), and brother, Charles Richter.

Funeral services are Monday, October 3, 2016 beginning with 9:30 a.m. prayers at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart and proceeding to St. Bridget Church for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation is Sunday October 2, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary service at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. Call (219) 942-2109 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.