NEW HAMPTON — William “Bill” Joseph Lee Richter, 40, of New Hampton, a longtime school maintenance employee and volunteer firefighter whose quiet generosity touched countless lives throughout his community, died unexpectedly Thursday, October 8, 2026, at his home. A devoted father, loving fiancé and dependable friend, Bill spent much of his life helping others, whether answering an emergency call, keeping the local schools running or simply lending a hand to someone in need.
Family and friends will gather for visitation Monday, October 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 101 West Main Street in New Hampton. Following visitation, the Chickasaw County Firefighter Association Honor Guard will conduct a brief service outside the funeral home in recognition of Bill’s years of volunteer service.
Born December 13, 1985, in Waterloo, Bill was the son of Larry and Linda (Short) Richter. He grew up in New Hampton and graduated from New Hampton High School, the same school district where he would go on to spend much of his working life.
For 20 years, Bill worked in maintenance for New Hampton Community Schools, becoming a familiar and trusted presence throughout the district.
From repairing equipment and maintaining facilities to taking care of countless behind-the-scenes tasks, Bill approached his responsibilities with dedication and pride. He was someone teachers, students and coworkers could depend on, often handling problems before anyone else even realized they existed.
His commitment to serving the community extended well beyond the school buildings.
For 12 years, Bill volunteered as a firefighter, giving his time and energy to protecting his neighbors and responding when emergencies threatened the community he loved.
That service reflected the character of a man who rarely sought attention or recognition. Whether the need involved a school repair, an emergency response or a neighbor struggling with a project, Bill was known for showing up and getting the job done.
Away from work, Bill’s greatest happiness came from the family he built with his fiancée, Tabitha Drewelow.
Their relationship began in an unexpectedly simple way. One day, Tabitha received a Facebook message from Bill containing just one word: “Hello.”
That greeting would begin a relationship lasting 12 years, including six years of engagement.
Bill eventually proposed to Tabitha in the kitchen of their home, surrounded by their children. The setting was fitting for a man whose greatest treasures were not possessions or recognition, but the everyday moments shared with the people he loved.
Family life was filled with activities, responsibilities and the interests that made Bill happiest.
He enjoyed backyard bonfires, caring for animals, attending auctions and swap meets, and working on vehicles and equipment. He was especially fond of figure-eight racing and the satisfaction that came from fixing something with his own hands.
His practical talents were matched by his enthusiasm for his children’s activities.
Bill followed their wrestling competitions, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts involvement, and 4-H activities, taking pride in their accomplishments and supporting them along the way.
He was a steady presence in their lives, always ready to offer encouragement, help with a project or simply spend time together.
Friends and colleagues knew Bill as a humble, hardworking man with a generous spirit. He had little interest in being the center of attention, preferring instead to help others and quietly move on to the next task.
The impact of that approach to life can be seen in the many memories shared by teachers, coworkers, neighbors and community members following his death.
Former educators recalled his friendly greetings, dependable work and willingness to go beyond what was expected. Others remembered the conversations, small acts of kindness and steady friendship that made Bill such a valued part of New Hampton.
His passing at just 40 years old leaves a profound loss for his family and for the community where he spent his life working, volunteering and raising his children.
Bill is survived by his father, Larry Richter of New Hampton; his fiancée, Tabitha Drewelow of New Hampton; sons Carter Drewelow and Tucker Richter of New Hampton; daughters Harper and Denver Richter of New Hampton; brother Chris (Sara) Onken of New Hampton; sisters Michelle Hutzell of Fredericksburg and Angela Onken; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Short) Richter, and his brother, Larry Lee Richter Jr., who died in infancy.
Through two decades of service to local schools, 12 years as a volunteer firefighter and a lifetime of helping family, friends and neighbors, Bill leaves behind a legacy of kindness, responsibility and devotion to others.
Family and friends may share memories, offer condolences and find additional service information through Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home’s online tribute to William “Bill” Richter.
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