Kenneth August Wachter

New London, NH-Kenneth August Wachter died quietly in New London Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004. He was 78. He was born March 1, 1926 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of August and Edna (Heithold) Wachter. He was married June 16, 1948 to Mary Louise Madigan.

Ken served in the US Army during WWII with the 779th Armored Battalion in the Pacific. He graduated as a Chemical Engineer from the University of Illinois in 1951 and began his career with the Whitehall Pharmacy in Elkhart, Indiana. In 1953, he accepted a position with Blockson Chemicals in Joliet, Illinois, where he worked until 1967, when Olin Chemicals bought the Blockson Works and Ken was transferred to the main headquarters in Stamford, CT. He continued with Olin until his retirement in 1984. His job as Materials Manager took him throughout the US and overseas.

Soon after retirement, Ken started his second career as a 'Professional Volunteer' which brought him much joy. He drove for the Red Cross Patient Services in Stratford and New Haven, CT. He also tutored in the Stratford Elementary Schools. After his move to New London in 1984, Ken continued his Red Cross work with his wife, Mary. He also became a New London Rotarian and was active with various committees before he suffered a stroke in 1995. He continued with Rotary and was honored with a "Paul Harris" Fellowship from the New London Chapter in 1996. Even after his stroke, he worked diligently with the Rotary Barbeque and the Merrimack County Home Funfest.

Another love of Ken's was the Habitat for Humanity Chapter in New London of which he was an original member and worked as Clerk of the works. Ken was one of 63 Charter members and Elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Joliet, Illinois, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. In Stamford, he became a regular tour guide for the First Presbyterian Church. During his nine years there, he worked weekends showing the visitors this unique church, ! and he was responsible for the guest Carilloneurs who came to play the Nestle Carillon Bells. In New London, Ken was a member of The First Baptist Church. Ken was a patriot who loved whistling, blueberry pie, black jelly beans, and the New York Times crossword puzzles. He was a voracious reader, always ready with fascinating facts. ( Go ask Grandpa!) An avid traveler, he was also successful at many varied crafts and remained an excellent back-seat driver until his death. He was a championship bugler who never lost his love for music, especially marches and rousing hymns. (Pull out all the stops!) Ken was always looking for something new in which to excel, except for swimming. Ken believed that side roads were meant to be taken, that a man was always a gentleman, that you never gave anything less than your very best, and that nothing was more precious than family. Above all, Ken remained the most loving husband and father.

He is survived by Mary, his wife of 56 years; two daughters, Janet Kavanaugh and husband Bruce of Reisterstown, MD! , Barbara Rothe and husband Gary of Berlin, NH, and a brother, Richard Wachter and wife, Colleen of Santa Maria, CA. He enjoyed four grandchildren; Keith Kavanaugh and wife, Kristin; Todd Kavanaugh and wife, Carolina; Kristin Rothe Johnson and husband, Patrick; and Lindsey Rothe; a sister-in-law and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Patricia) Brinkmeyer of Quincy, IL. He had numerous nephews and cousins. His youngest daughter, Lori, predeceased her father in 1987.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at The First Baptist Church of New London. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 167 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301 or Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1513, New London, NH 03257 or to the New London Rotary Club, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1408, New London, NH 03257. Chadwick Funeral Service of New London, NH is in charge of arrangements. For more information please visit www.chadwickfuneralserivce.com.