Sandra J. Richter

BESSEMER, Mich. - Sandra J. Richter, 80, of Bessemer, passed away on Aug. 26, 2022, with her loving family at her side.

Sandy was born on June 28, 1942, in Ironwood to Francis and Hilda (Hyvari) Spagnoletti. She graduated from Bessemer's A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1960. She attended Northern Michigan University and the University of Connecticut and received a bachelor's degree in secondary education with emphases in English, art and mathematics in 1965. She married Thomas Richter in August 1962.

Following graduation from U.Conn., Sandy focused on being a mother to her three children. As the children entered school, Sandy worked as a substitute teacher before beginning her long career with the Michigan State University-Extension Service. She worked with the 4-H programming and as the program assistant until her retirement.

Sandy loved gardening, sewing, reading, arranging flowers, and working with others. She was always increasing the size of her flower gardens and adding to the types of produce she could grow. Sandy was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield and enjoyed spending time with the Women of the ELCA groups.

Sandy loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many activities. Her entries at the Gogebic County Fair were frequent blue ribbon winners, as well as receiving champion (best of show) awards. Many of her quilts and other sewing projects were donated to Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp's Fall Fest for their annual auction fundraiser.

Sandra is survived by two daughters, Lori (Jim) Williams, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Kay Richter, Ewen; and one son, Doug (Tara Lowery) Richter, Denver; two grandchildren, Teri (Scott) Zipperer and Chris (Bethany Futrell) Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Violet Zipperer. She is further survived by one brother, Fred (Lagayla) Spagnoletti; one sister-in-law, Frances Spagnoletti; two brothers-in-law, Erwin (Pam) Richter and Ray Richter; and many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom.

Visitation will take place at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. at All Saints, with the Rev. Lauri Maki presiding. Lunch will be served following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam Blvd., Wakefield, MI 49968.

The family has chosen Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home in Bessemer to honor Sandy's legacy of life. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit RangeFuneralService.com.