Steven Anthony Richter was born on July 17, 1959. Steve was a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend to many. He was born in Chicago and grew up in Trout Valley, Illinois. He was a tradesman and worked as a meticulous painter all over the Chicagoland area and was well known and loved by many.

 

He was a man with a big heart and definitely a man to have your back. Steve lived his life in the fast lane no matter pavement, dirt, or snow, and was always down for the ride. He loved motorcycles, snowmobiles and living on the edge. He understood the meaning of brotherhood and lived it. Steve wasn’t Steve without the thrill.

 

Anyone who knew Steve knew his love for his motorcycles. A great day meant blue skies, a full tank of gas, and an open road with an occasional wheelie. Riding brought him joy that few activities could surpass. The roar of the engine was music to his ears and the wind on his face was food for his soul. Few things in his life beat riding on his Green Kawasaki Ninja 1000 with his wife Natalie and his friends by his side.

 

He loved his family and friends, but his love for his boys Shain, Taylor and Anthony was indescribable. He was a proud and caring father above all and loved to tell everyone about their accomplishments.

 

Born stubborn as hell, he always did things his way. If you knew Steve you knew everything had to be perfect and in pristine condition, just the way he liked it. So, everyone that shows up to his Celebration of Life better get a car wash!

 

It was love at first sight when he met his wife, Natalie. Their relationship was almost indescribable full of love, passion, and thrill. The time they spent together was packed full of quality time watching the Bears game, riding motorcycles, and making many cherished memories together.

 

He had so many passions- motorcycles, snowmobiles, minibikes and cars just to name a few. But nothing more than his relationship with his mother Diane Smith. His mother is the most caring, humble, loving mother Steve could have ever asked for. They would have daily conversations and would always have a text exchange during football season. She loved and supported him and never judged him for his faults. Diane was his best friend.

 

Steve was a fighter throughout his whole life up until the very end, battling his cancer for 2 and a half years. He spent his last 2 months alongside his family and his new puppy Charlie. Charlie brought a newfound joy into Steve's life providing love and companionship. Steve was 63 years young when he lost his battle to cancer on October 18th, 2022. He was compassionate and had the biggest heart. Steve lived his life on his own terms living everyday like his last.

 

Thank you to the countless friends and family that have gathered around to share stories, memories and lots of laughter in these hard times.

 

Steve is remembered by his wife Natalie Richter, son Shain Richter and fiancé Sheila Calderon, son Taylor Richter and fiancé Amanda Bending, and son Anthony Richter. Steve is survived by his mother Diane Smith. Steve is survived by his brothers and sisters Marty Smith, Connie Sheetz, Rees Smith and wife Susan Castillo (Suki), and Michelle Greenwald and husband Jeff Greenwald. Steve is survived by his nieces and nephews Marty Smith and wife Brie Smith and their children Holden Smith and Story Smith, Doug Smith, Tiffany Smith, Christine Sheetz, Rees Smith, Christian Greenwald, Madison Greenwald, and Chace Greenwald. Steve is survived by his grandchildren Ariyana Richter, Roxanne Richter, and Riley Richter. Steve is survived by his puppy Charlie. Steve was preceded in death by his stepfather William H. Smith (1925 - 1998). Steve was preceded in death by his brother Ernie Smith (1954 - 2001).

 

There will be a Celebration of Life open house Saturday October 29th, 2022, at Galati’s Hideaway 800 Feinberg Ct, Cary Illinois from 3:00-6:00pm

 

A final statement in honor of Steve from his family:

“You were a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend and you were taken from all of us and the world too soon. Steve, you ride in the wind, and you watch over your wife and three boys. You will always be known as a fighter with the biggest heart. You always did what you loved, your passion for the thrill and free-spirited way of life will always be looked up to. Your memory will live on through all of us. May you ride with the angles and may you rest in peace. We love you so much, Love your family”

 

The family welcomes donations to this GoFundMe page as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers for Steve’s three incredible boys.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/steve-richter-memorial-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet