Richard Curtis Walther

Richard Curtis Walther, age 70 of Albert Lea, MN, passed away on January 10, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Mankato, MN after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The presence of family earlier had put him at peace. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and husband, who always put others first before himself.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at 3:00 PM at Crossroads Church, 3402 Hoeger Ln, Albert Lea, Minnesota, with a time of gathering one hour prior. Interment will be private. 

Richard was born at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to Curtis Dean Walther and June Rosemarie Carol Walther on September 18, 1954. He attended Trinity Lutheran School in Janesville, MN, and graduated from Janesville High School. He went on to attend Mankato State briefly before enlisting into the US Air Force where he became a base vehicle equipment mechanic. He serviced 9 years within the United States Military as part of the US Air Force, Air National Guard, and Army National Guard as maintenance mechanic. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. 

While attending basic training in the US Air Force, he became familiar with his soon to be beloved wife Lori Jean Dombroske, but only through letters for 6 months. After graduating from basic training, he came home to meet her for the first time before heading down to Patrick Air Force Base. They were later united in marriage on July 25, 1976 at Trinity Lutheran church in Janesville. 

Richard had various occupations, from building homes while in college to becoming a heavy tractor/truck mechanic with Case IH and Waste System. He always had a few side businesses along the way. He later attended Albert Lea Vocational School where he studied accounting. He then worked in the accounting department with Freeborn Department of Human Services. He later became a Child Support Officer for the Freeborn County DHS. After spending 33 years working for Freeborn County, he retired on February 28, 2021.

His passion was his yard, from gardening to building, whether it be bird houses or crazy yard art. His final project was building a “she shed” for his beloved wife. His other hobbies included golfing, biking, fishing and being an avid sports fan of all kinds of sports. His daughter was his devoted fishing buddy as she grew up which later became a bonding experience with his grandson.

Richard and his wife became members of Lunder Lutheran Church later becoming members of Crossroads Church. The two of them were actively involved within Crossroads Church from helping teach Sunday school for 21 years to helping plant the church where it is now. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Lori; children Lilia (Eduardo Boro) Walther, Nicholas Walther; grandson Stanley Walther; brothers Scott (Victoria) Walther and Brian Walther; and sister Carol Gerber.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Dean and June Rosemarie Carol Walther.

Memorial donations to Ruth Harbor Ministries, 2500 University Avenue Des Moines, IA 50311, are appreciated.

The Funeral will be livestreamed courtesy of Crossroads Church, and will be available for viewing by following this link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/Oc1Y3P_qfeo