Franklin (Frank) Albert Richter

Franklin (Frank) Albert Richter 83 years 1 day, went to be with his Lord on December 27, 2020 at St. David's Medical Center South. Franklin was born on the Jenke home place on December 26, 1937 in Bastrop County, near Paige, the first child to Albert Otto Richter and Alwina Meta Jenke Richter. Franklin married Katherine Albrecht on July 5, 1958. He was blessed with 2 children-Nancy (Mike) Cato and Steven (Freida); he was known as PapPaw to his 4 grandchildren- Bryan (Ronnie) Richter, Katelyn (J.W.) Tucker, Kelley Cato, and Chris Cato; 4 step-grandchildren Morgan Frankenhauser, and Haley, Jamison, and Garrett Henderson; 4 great-grandchildren- Emily and Brody Richter, Kinzlee Jo Prinz and Kirbee Jean Tucker. He loved being a PapPaw to these great kids. He is survived by his sisters, Mildred (Jimmy) Westfall and Betty Cain, and a brother Larry Richter; brothers-in-law Willard (Marjorie) Albrecht, Leroy (Kathleen) Albrecht, Paul (Boydeen) Albrecht, Milton (Geraldine) Albrecht, Robert (Alice) Albrecht and sister-in-law Alice (Allen) Birnbaum and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Emil and Frieda A...[more]

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echt, brother-in-law Bill Cain and sister-in-law Lavita Richter. He was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Austin for 60 years, as well as a proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for over 60 years. He enjoyed attending NALC state and national conventions all over the United States. Franklin got his early education in one-room schools, attending Long Branch and Paige Elementary schools. The Long Branch School was within walking distance from the farm. As was customary, his family enrolled him in parochial school at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fedor for 7th and 8th grade for confirmation training. At that time, the one-room schools of the Lee County Common School District consolidated with others, and buses became available to take country kids to school in Lexington. Franklin graduated from Lexington High School in 1956, where he was active in FFA. After graduation, he moved to Austin and soon went to work for the post office. He was a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service in Austin for 43 years. After retirement he went to work for a private security service serving Onion Creek in Austin for 15 years, where he had carried mail. He enjoyed serving the people of Onion Creek and they appreciated him. Franklin and Katherine caught each other's eye at his cousin, Cary's, first birthday party in 1955. The Albrechts were neighbors and Katherine's father gave Cary his first haircut that day. Franklin asked Katherine out on their first date to the movies (under the watchful eye of her brothers) on Columbus Day 1957, when he had a day off from the post office. By Veteran's Day of the same year, he was taking her home to spend time with his parents for his sister, Mildred's, birthday. They bought their first and only home in January of 1959, which they shared for 62 years. Along with Nancy and Steven, the family enjoyed many extended family gatherings, camping and road trips. The first camping trip was to Colorado in a '67 VW camper and was a bit cramped at night, so Frank frequently slept on a picnic table outside. Later, tent and pop-up trailer camping were more practical, and the family enjoyed trips to state parks and a few road trips to visit friends in other states. Franklin and Katherine enjoyed many camping trips with their friend, Conrad (Shady). After Shady moved to Idaho, they traveled to visit him and made many new snowmobiling friends. Franklin and Katherine enjoyed traveling with St. David's Volunteer tour groups and with friends on cruises all around the world. They especially enjoyed their trips to Alaska and Switzerland. Franklin was always curious, with many questions and always learning. Without formal training, he designed complicated and innovative projects, including their home addition and workshop, a customized bread slicer and a pully system for managing large church banners. He loved repurposing materials and meeting unique needs with his designs and projects. He would study for days and weeks to figure out a plan in his head and then carry it out with a few tweaks. He was most often described as kind, calm, welcoming, helpful, and fair in his dealings the people he encountered. He acquired friends wherever he went, being the master of in-depth one-to-one conversations with people along his way. He loved and was loved greatly. The family is thankful to St. David's South and Texas NeuroRehab for their loving care and service. Franklin was quick to tell others that he had received care from the best teams. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church Kitchen Remodeling Fund (300 E. Monroe Austin, TX 78704) or a charity of your choice. A public viewing will be held at Harrell Funeral Home on Frontier Trail on Sunday, January 3 from 8-5. Due to COVID-19, family will not be present. It is the family's desire to have a celebration of his life with his large group of family and friends, when conditions are safer. "Be not overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21