Elaine A. Richter, 85

Elaine A. Richter, 85 of Colman, died Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at Heritage Senior Living in Madison.

Elaine was born June 12, 1920, at Colman to Charles and Lydia Leavenworth Bidwell. She graduated from Colman High School in 1937 and married William Richter on February 26, 1939, on her parents' farm east of Colman. The couple farmed north of Colman until 1953 when they moved to a farm east of town. After retiring from farming, they moved, in 2004, to Heritage Senior Living. Elaine was a member of Colman Lutheran Church, WELCA and Moody County Farm Bureau. She was church vocalist and organist and taught music lessons. She was in a kitchen band that played at dances around the area and she loved to dance. Elaine and her husband wintered in Texas for many years.

Survivors include her husband: William; two sons: Charles (Jackie) of Colman and Richard (Shirley) of Crooks; two daughters: Dorothy Pomper of Chicago, IL and Rita (Jan) Duchek of Eagan, MN; 20 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and one sister: Ada May (Anson) Yeager of Sioux Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter Christine, daughter-in-law Bernie and brother Dale.

Services were held Sept. 24 at Colman Lutheran Church with Pastor Sue Wolf officiating. Burial was in the Colman Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve, Justin, Billy, Alex, Zeke, and Chuck, Jr. Richter and Sean Duchek.

Lorraine's Song For Elaine

(set to "There's Music in the Air" from an Old American Favorites Songbook)

There's music in the air
When Elaine is there.
Whatever the occasion
She would find a song
She helped children learn to play.
Grownups danced the night away,
Elaine used the gift God gave
Making music in the air.

There's music in the air
Keyboards sounds ring out
Bill's her biggest fan
Family joins in.
Love of music was her trait.
Other things would have to wait.
One thing's sure when Elaine's there,
There's music in the air.