Richie grew up in a Lutheran farming family. Over the years, he has gradually made his family’s Christian faith his own. He is learning to trust the Lord in all areas of his life, including his roles as a husband, father of three girls, friend, and farmer. As a boy, Richie helped his dad build a successful farm from the ground up.

He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2003. He worked as an engineer for several years before eventually making the transition to farming full time. He now works his family farm near Northwood, ND with his father and brother-in-law. Together they raise soybeans and corn. Richie has helped Friends of IFOSuD with his cautious approach to business decision-making, his ability to understand and manage finances, his patience, and his quiet dedication.