Reverend Richard Schlueter

Reverend Richard Schlueter received his heavenly reward on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 surrounded by the love of his dear family. He was born on January 12, 1961 to Omar and Hildegarde Schlueter in Sweet Springs, Missouri and received into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism January 29, 1961 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Ernestville, Missouri. He professed his faith through the Rite of Confirmation on March 23, 1975. Richard attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Concordia, Missouri and graduated from Concordia High School in 1979, obtained his Associate’s Degree in Agricultural from St. Fair Community College, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from Central Missouri State University in 1984.

While working his own row crop and hog operation, Richard worked at the ASCS office in Warrensburg, Missouri and Concordia Farmer’s Co-op in Concordia, Missouri. He devoted 28 years to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, as a grain auditor and mediator, protecting the state’s farmers until his retirement in May of this year. He also assisted farmers in Bulgaria, with ACDI/VOCA, teaching them how to market grain with their new grain warehouse law in their new free-market economy.

On August 22, 2010 Richard received a call as Associate Pastor to Faith Lutheran Church in Kirksville, Missouri and Peace Lutheran in Milan, Missouri. Once called, Richard began his classes for the Specific Ministry Program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri graduating on January 9, 2011. Richard served at Faith Lutheran Church and Peace Lutheran Church until being called home.

On July 23, 1988, Richard married Susan, the daughter of Richard and Betty Desselman at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of a daughter, Mikaela on November 21, 2000.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved brother Michael and his parents. Richard is survived by his wife Sue and daughter Mikaela of Kirksville, Missouri, sister Lois and brother-in-law Norman of Blue Springs, Missouri, brother David and sister-in-law Sherry of Ernestville, Missouri, nieces Amy McDonald (James), Kelly Coppens (Johan), Megan Nigro (John), nephews Mark Schlueter (Julie), Matthew Schlueter, and Ryan Kuecker, church family at Faith Lutheran Church and Peace Lutheran Church Milan, and many, many cherished friends.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1820 South Baltimore, Kirksville, Missouri on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends, at the church, one hour prior to the start of the service.

A graveside service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Ernestville, Missouri on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. A lunch reception will follow in the church basement.

Pallbearers will be Ivan Kaden, Eric Snider, Curtis Roof, Tim Johnson, Greg Klokkenga, Rick Winter, Tom Johnson, and Mark Burger. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Schlueter, Matthew Schlueter, Ryan Kuecker, James McDonald, Johan Coppens, and John Nigro.

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, 2100 E. Shepherd Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501

The family suggests memorials to Faith Lutheran School or Faith Lutheran Church.