Richard Lee Hergenreter "Herk", 62, lifelong area resident, died unexpectedly, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at his home in Fort Morgan.

He was born May 24, 1953 in Sterling, Colorado to Paul Sr. and Pauline (Leachman) Hergenreter. He was their fourth child and the second son. Richard grew up and worked on their family farm in Sterling and then Fort Morgan. He was actively involved in 4-H and later FFA. Rich graduated from Fort Morgan High School in the class of 1971 and began a career in the construction business. He enjoyed driving his classic cars he owned and playing softball in his early years. He was an incredible craftsman and could make anything by hand. He was very proud of the many skyscrapers that he helped build while in the carpenters union in Denver. He also managed a ranch South of Fort Morgan and enjoyed his horse and the farm and ranch life. He later settled in to his home in Fort Morgan with his beloved dog, Blue. Rich loved to make furniture and items from wood, work on his yard, camping and he loved to two-step. He had an infectious smile, was always making jokes and loved to make people laugh. Richard's greatest joy came from being a Papa and spending time with his seven grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Pauline, brother Paul Hergenreter Jr. and sister, Shirley Unrein.

Rich is survived by his ex-wife, Dora Halcomb; daughters, Sara Hergenreter-Harms and Julie Clancy; grandchildren, Mikayla, Kadence, Kendyl, Logan, Sam, Scout and Declan.  He is also survived by his eldest sister, Beverly Staples; his youngest sister, Terry Behrends and many nieces and nephews.

The Holy Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 PM at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 13th at 10:00 AM at Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan.

Inurnment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Fort Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richs' name to Heer Mortuary, 225 E. Platte Ave., Fort Morgan, CO 80701.