Richert, David H. (1875-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 3 Dec 1964 p. 6

Birth date: 1875

text of obituary:

Bethel College Professor Emeritus Dies at Age 89

Faculty Member 50 Years

Dr. David H. Richert, professor emeritus of mathematics and astronomy at Bethel College, died Saturday morning, Nov. 28, at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton after a brief illness. He was 89.

Affectionately known over the years as "Uncle Davy," he had served on the Bethel faculty for a full half century. He retired from full-time teaching in 1946, but continued on a part-time basis for another ten years.

Dr. Richert was born in the Alexanderwohl community on March 8, 1875, the son of Rev. Heinrich and Helena Unruh Richert. He attended the Bethel College Academy, graduating in 1899. After continuing his studies at Bethel for several more years, he attended the State Normal School at Emporia and later Oberlin College in Ohio, from which he received the A. B. degree in 1909.

After several years as a rural school teaching and four years as principal and teacher of mathematics at Moundridge High School, Dr. Richert joined the Bethel College faculty as teacher of mathematics in 1906. In his early years at the college he also taught at number of other subjects. In 1915 he became professor of mathematics and astronomy.

He received the A. M. degree from the University of Colorado in 1928. In 1945 Bethel College conferred on him the honorary Doctor of Science degree.

His marriage to Edith von Steen of Beatrice, Neb. took place in 1912, and soon afterward they built a new house on the Bethel campus which has been their home to the present time.

During his long teaching career Dr. Richert frequently contributed articles to scientific journals, as well as writing in a more popular style for church publications. He was a member of the American Mathematical Assn., and was active in his church and community. At one time he served as treasurer of the General Conference Board of Missions.