David Charles Richterkessing

David Charles Richterkessing received his crown of glory Saturday, August 17, at the age of 81. He was the loving husband for 59 years of Suzanne; son of the late Ralph and Ella Richterkessing; father of Kathryn Richterkessing and Erin Pruitt; grandfather of Linden and Declan Pruitt; brother of Pearl (Marv) Plamann. David was preceded in death by brothers Fredrick and Ronald and sister, Carol Goodall.

David was born February 5, 1943 in St. Charles, Missouri. Following graduation from Concordia University, Seward, NE he taught at Lutheran High North in St. Louis, MO and was Assistant Professor of Physics at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He worked in systems design for AT&T in Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; and Atlanta, GA before retiring after 25 years to the farm in Morganton. David was a long-time member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities. He could often be found cutting, pruning or planting on the church grounds.

David saw himself as a caretaker of God's wonderful world with special interests in native plants and wildlife habitat. David's farm in Morganton was a NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat and an Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary, designations of which he was very proud. Say the word "bluebird" and David would make a bluebird box ready for posting. His farm is ringed with a bluebird trail, with bluebird boxes all built by David. Always the physics teacher, he was admired for his ability to cut and fall trees exactly on target.

David was a Master Gardener and wildlife educator. For many years he taught classes to school age children as a member of the education team at Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center. As a member of the Chestnut Foundation he planted numerous native chestnut trees in test plots at Berry College. A longtime volunteer at the Labor Day BBQ, he ran the drinks booth. And, in his spare time, David was pitcher and second baseman for the over-fifties softball team, Fannin Generals, and he actively played into his mid 70's.

David lived his life in service to God and all of God's creation. Memorial contributions in David's honor may be made to Lutheran World Relief and the Nature Conservancy. A celebration of his life will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Morganton at 11:00 am, Friday, August 30, with a luncheon to follow.

Cochran - McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of David Charles Richterkessing; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.