Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Jul 20, 1929 – Oct 29, 2022
Cary Bachman passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 29, attended by his family. He was 93 years old.
Cary was born July 20, 1929 in Gainesville, Florida, the second child of Charlie and Grace Bachman. The family soon moved to East Lansing, Michigan where Charlie was head football coach at Michigan State University. Cary attended UW-Madison and played all four years on the UW football team. Upon graduation in 1952, Cary married his college sweetheart Helene "Petie" Schlueter.
In 1956 Cary became a physical education teacher at Nicolet High School in Glendale. He became head tennis coach and over the next 40 years his boys and girls tennis teams won 33 WIAA State Championships and finished second an additional eight times. Cary was inducted into the first class of the Nicolet H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
Cary’s tennis career included other endeavors. He and Jim Laing ran the Bachman-Laing Tennis Camps for many years. He was head tennis pro at North River Racquet Club. He served two years as vice-president of the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), and another two years as president. In 1995 Cary was inducted into the USPTA-Midwest Division Hall of Fame as a Master Tennis Pro.
Cary and Petie raised their children in Whitefish Bay. He enjoyed family boating trips on Lake Michigan in summer, snowmobiling in winter, and brats on the grill anytime. In 2011 Cary and Petie moved to Eastcastle Place in Milwaukee where they continued an active social life. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Petie pre-deceased Cary by six weeks. They are survived by their four children: Kristen Bachman (Dennis), Karin Bachman, Amy (John) Hurckman and Charlie (Angie) Bachman, along with six grandchildren: Ben, Emily, Amy, Jessica, Holly and Henry. He will be greatly missed.
A public celebration of Cary's life is scheduled at Feerick Funeral Home in Shorewood on Friday evening, November 11, from 5 to 8 pm. A private funeral service will be held Saturday. The family is grateful to the staff at Eastcastle Place Health Center for their attentiveness and care during his final weeks.
Read MoreAs I had the pleasure of caring for both Mr. and Mrs.Bachman, I can say they were both wonderful people. They were my favorite couple and I loved talking with them, as well as their family. I hope I may find the love they shared with each other all their years. I think of them often and may the rest in peace together.
Lauren Nelson
November 15, 2022 | Milwaukee, WI
I was blessed to know Cary for many years. What he was able to do for young people throughout his life has made a difference in their lives and our community. He will be missed but, his impact will will continue.
Chip Burghardt
Chip Burghardt
November 11, 2022 | Mequon, WI | Friend
As you remember and mourn the loss, may you also celebrate the life. Cary's journey of life is something to celebrate. May the love and memories you shared remain with you forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bachman family during this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Rick Vetter
November 10, 2022 | Mequon, WI | Friend
Our family and friends loved the Cary's tennis' history. Cary was/is a great Wisconsin tradition
Tom 'tennis family'
November 09, 2022 | Southeast County, WI | Acquaintance
I am so saddened to learn about the passing of Cary. I will never forget my lessons with him and crying at tennis camp in Appleton to go home. My condolences to the family for the loss of Mrs. Bachman as well. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time.
Amy Sunshine
November 03, 2022 | Chicago, IL | Student
1974 Nicolet team and Coach
Coach Bachman could always motivate and get the most out of his team and players.
John Mikkelson
November 03, 2022 | Mequon, WI | Friend
In the early 80s teaching tennis in gym class, mr Bachman nurtured and inspired a love and appreciation of the game for me. I was never “team” good enough but I found my place in the game and it has stayed a part of my life to this day. He invested in all of us. I will never forget that, or him.
David Howard
November 03, 2022 | Wexford, PA | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Like ripples on the water, his legacy will live on in his family and each student Cary touched through the years.
Laura Bolton
November 03, 2022 | Fox Point, WI | Friend
Cary was so appreciated by all of us in the business of tennis for his professionalism, passion and willingness to grow our sport, he will always be in our hearts , Condolences from all of us within the USPTA Midwest Division Family.
Greg Aten
November 02, 2022 | Akron, OH | Friend
