Michael Theodore Gaechter

1940 - 2015

GAECHTER, Michael Theodore Michael Theodore Gaechter passed away August, 17, 2015. Mike was born January 9, 1940 in Santa Monica, California to Rudolph and Mildred, who preceded him in death. During Mike's high school years they lived in Lancaster, California where he attended Antelope Valley High School and ran track. Gaechter then received a scholarship to the University of Oregon. In 1961, during a track meet at the University of Washington, Mike recorded his fastest time with 9.4 seconds in the 100-yard dash. In 1962, Gaechter along with teammates Mel Renfro, Jerry Tarr, and Harry Jerome, ran the third leg on the University of Oregon's world record setting team, in the 4x110 yard relay. His football career began in college and he was voted most improved player. In 1962, Gaechter was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and as a rookie became the starting left cornerback. In that season, Gaechter intercepted a 100-yard return for a touchdown, a team record that was held for 48 years. He had a reputation as a formidable defensive player so in 1963 he switched to strong safety. He also played in the Ice Bowl against the Green Bay Packers in 1967, the coldest football game on record. In 1969 during the Play Off Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, Mike ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury which ultimately ended his career. After his football career ended Gaechter dabbled in various businesses eventually establishing a very respected and successful career in outdoor advertising. He started businesses in Amarillo, San Antonio, Albuquerque, and Waco. Mike experienced early onset dementia which led to the decision to sell Gaechter Outdoor Advertizing in Waco, Texas. Eventually he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Michael Gaechter touched many lives. Family was very important to him. As busy as he was establishing his new businesses, he always remembered those he loved. To surprise Katharine, his daughter, on her 11th birthday, he flew all night from Greece to South Carolina to be with her. She fondly remembers him showing up at her boarding school when she was 16 to watch her play basketball. Mike loved his family and would organize events to get us all together. He made them all fun with his outrageous sense of humor and jokes, most of which are not suitable to this occasion. He kept every one laughing and enjoying life. Mike put all of his energy into anything he decided to do and then did it well and with great enthusiasm. This was true of college sports, professional football, golf, his outdoor advertising business and skiing, which he loved. One winter several couples were to join Mike at Beaver Creek for a skiing holiday. He got there a day ahead of the others to get in an extra day of skiing. When the others arrived they were greeted by Mike with a black eye, broken ski goggles, one ski bent at a 90 degree angle and raving about the great skiing conditions. Gaechter never understood the concept of making turns, and would head straight downhill. When we would meet up at the bottom, he would show up black and blue, and limping, ready to go again. He was not one to be deterred by small setbacks. He loved his brothers. As a child, his younger brother Bill idolized him. Once they were playing cowboys, Bill was the horse, and Mike made him eat grass. Bill choked and choked. When Mike wasn't looking, Bill hit him over the head with a board and ran as fast as he could. Gaechter had a way with people, and he could get away with saying things that others couldn't. If you knew Mike, you know what I mean. Mike always had a toothpick tucked behind his ear and one in his mouth. He had many "Gaechterisms". He had a big heart, a generous spirit, and a loving nature. If the number of friends is any indication of a life well lived, then he exceeded the maximum. He was there when you needed him, in any capacity. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, tenacity, friendship, and love of family. He is survived by his wife Cheryl Gaechter, his daughter, Katharine Rea and his granddaughters, Caroline and Camden Rea of Frisco, and his brothers, Paul Anthony Gaechter of San Jose, California, William Gaechter of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Mark Gaechter of Eugene, Oregon. Visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home on Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. followed by The Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, Coppell with burial to follow at Restland.