Willi J. Richert

A legacy of overcoming adversity while building the life of his dreams. Willi John Richert was born May 4, 1951, to Elli Richert and adopted by his grandparents Johann & Magdalena Richert in Luneburg, Germany. He survived an illness and traveled with the family by immigrant freighter to relocate in Whitewater, KS, in 1953. Later the family moved to Wichita, KS, for better opportunities. The family worked hard to raise him and his three uncles. At times food was scarce and they worked to overcome challenges including a language barrier. He graduated from Wichita North High School in 1969. His first career was as a Certified Gemologist for local jewelry stores including Wetzel Jewelers in downtown Wichita. He met Donna Jean Webber on a blind date and they were married in the Manti Temple in Manti, Utah, on August 14, 1974. They had two children Tiffani and Kristofer. He has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for over 50 years and served in many leadership positions. His love for people led him to a 50 year career as an Insurance Agent. The family moved to Valley Center in 1979 from the Westlink neighborhood. Willi has always had a passion for raising animals especially Modena Pigeons, Netherland Dwarf Rabbits and Quarter Horses. He started catching wild pigeons when he was in elementary school. He raised several breeds of show pigeons. He continued to research the best ways to improve the breeding through genetics and health of his animals throughout his life. He became a Master Breeder, Master Judge and Hall of Fame recipient in the Modena Pigeon Fancy. He began raising Quarter Horses in the 1990’s and his breeding program produced World Champion Halter Horses. Loving his family, friends and all he met was one of his many talents. He was an accidental hero more than once in his lifetime. He negotiated the release of hostages in a jewelry store robbery and counseled countless others with his kind nature to be their best. He taught his children hard work, determination, respect for all people, love for his Savior Jesus Christ and above all kindness. He made friends everywhere he went from South Africa to the local McDonalds every morning for breakfast. When the dreaded diagnosis of Dementia was received in 2024, he chose to continue doing all he loved for as long as he was able. He never stopped moving forward and being a positive influence on all he met. He passed away August 3, 2026. Preceded in death by parents Johann & Magdalena Richert, birth mother Elli Richert, uncles Wilhelm, Frank and Hans Peter Richert. Survived by his beloved wife Donna Jean Richert, daughter Tiffani Sorrells(James MacKay), son Kristofer Richert, grandchildren Brennan O’Callaghan, Ariana Taboada(Miguel) and Jacob MacKay; great granddaughter Lili Janae Taboada and sister Chloe Welch.

Memorial Service will be 10:00 am, Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 528 West 5^th Street, Valley Center, Kansas.

Memorials have been established with: American Quarter Horse Foundation, P. O. Box 32111, Amarillo, Texas 79120 and the National Pigeon Association Legacy Fund Trust, c/o Michael Miles, 5444 West Saguaro Drive, West Jordan, Utah 84081.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.