Olga Banik Richter

Olga Banik Richter, age 84, of Leroy, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 23, 2010 at West Rest Haven in West. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald with Pastor Frances Sidenblad officiating. Burial will follow at Gerald Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mrs. Richter was born October 15, 1925 in West, the daughter of Ernest Otto and Fena (Schronk) Banik. She attended Ross and Gerald schools and LaVega High School. On December 28, 1945 she was united in marriage to Helmut A. "Jack" Richter. He preceded her in death on May 24, 2004. Olga was a housewife and homemaker. She also worked as a seamstress for several clothing manufacturing companies including Woods, Lorch's, and Wolfs for many years until her retirement in 1978. Olga was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald where she was active in the Ladies Guild, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. She enjoyed doing crafts, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her parents; a daughter, Doris Wedeking; four brothers, Ernest Banik, Otto Banik, Willie Banik, and Robert Banik; and three sisters, Erna Archerd, Bertha Schuetz, and Ellen Richter also preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Diana Schroeder and husband John of West; a brother, Albert Banik of West; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Banik of Elm Mott; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Alfred Schuetz, Eddie Banik, Otis Meier, Larry Schroeder, and Larry Richter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or Gerald Cemetery.