Mary A. Richter
Mary Ann “Mim” Richter, 81, of Whitehall, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, surrounded by her family, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.
Mim was born November 2, 1944, in Whitehall, to Bennie and Myrtle (Steen) Johnson. She was a proud graduate of Whitehall High School, Class of 1963, and went on to pursue her passion for caring for others at Hendrick Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Abilene, TX. It was there that she met her future husband, Tom Richter. The two were united in marriage June 19, 1965, in Whitehall, and together they made their home in Austin, TX, and Mildenhall, England, before eventually settling in Whitehall.
She dedicated 55 years to her work as a Licensed Practical Nurse, including 33 years alongside Dr. Brad Martin at Whitehall Gundersen Clinic, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and skill. In addition to her nursing career, Mim was the owner of Mim’s Ole Barn and generously gave her time volunteering at local nursing homes as an activity coordinator. She was a devoted and active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and a founding member of the Whitehall Booster Club. Mim found great joy in gnome collecting, crafting, bowling, gardening, gathering with family and friends, holidays, and Christmas baking. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, well fed, and deeply loved.
Mim is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Tom; her children: Kim (Chris) Nogosek of St. Anthony Village, MN, Jeff (Laura Wente) Richter of Portland, OR and Stacey (Greg Fernholz) Lisowski of Arcadia; and eight grandchildren whom she loved “To the Moon and Back”: Sam Nogosek, Joe (fiancée Rachel) Nogosek, Emilie Nogosek, Jeffrey Richter, Jaidyn Richter, John Thomas (JT) Lisowski, Ben Lisowski, and Jana Lisowski. She is further survived by her beloved brother, Barney Johnson of Texas; and her cherished sister, Louise Sonsalla of Independence.
Mim also leaves behind many dear cousins, along with special nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many treasured friends, all of whom hold a special place in her heart and will miss her deeply.
In addition to her parents, Mim was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Betty Johnson; and brother in-law, Bill Sonsalla.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with burial in Lincoln Cemetery, both in Whitehall. Scott W. Brown – SAM will officiate.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
