Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1935
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Wachter Obituary
Donald H.H. Wachter
Feb. 16, 1935 - April 15, 2022
CHAMPAIGN - Donald H.H. Wachter, 87, of Champaign, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2022.
Don was born on February 16, 1935, in Granite City, IL, the second child of William and Frieda Wachter. On January 26, 1957, he married Sarah "Sally" DeVault.
Don graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Education and Master's Degree. He was a four-year letterman on the ISU football team. He also won the Redbird Award for athletes with a high academic record. He received his Educational Doctorate from the University of Illinois in 1975.
He spent his entire career in education, mainly in Decatur School District #61. He was a special education teacher, coach, and administrator. In addition, he spent six years working for the Delaware Department of Public Instruction as a special education consultant and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He was Superintendent of Schools in Decatur when he retired in 1993 after 36-years in education.
Don served in the Army Reserves. He was on active duty in Fort Chaffee, AR for six months, and in the reserves for six years.
He was a strong leader, a great dad, an avid reader and puzzle solver. He was a fun travel partner, enjoyed cruising and exploring the world. The seashore was his favorite place to visit, especially Rehoboth Beach, DE and Topsail Island, NC.
Don is survived by his wife, Sarah "Sally;" sons: Scot (Cindy), Bret (Jodie), Kurt (Bridget), and Matt (Stacy) ; eight grandchildren: Philip, Anna, Ryan, Brooke, Tim, Jeff, Alexandra, Emily; nieces: Lauren Fecte and Joan Breitegam.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill.
Cremation services will be provided by Graceland-Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. A celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 2701 Windward Blvd, Champaign, IL. All are welcome to come and express their appreciation for a good man.
Memorials may be made to the Decatur Public Schools Foundation or the Decatur Public Library.
Condolences may be sent to Don's family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Wachter
2 Entries
Mark A Miller
April 15, 2023
I worked with Don in the 80s at The Historical Society ,He was a Great Guy to be with ! We Had alot of fun there Eating Muttin Sandwiches !!
How you can show support
Mark A Miller
April 21, 2022
I met Don in 1980 ,We worked together at The Histoicalnd Him on one end and me on the other, The only guy that would eat muttin with me, God speed ole Buddy.ahSociety,in macon county, I never met a nicer man, I had an old Truck, When Lincoln school in Decatur closed, Don and i removed the Lincoln Statue from there by
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Wachter's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Wachter
Funeral services provided by:
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home2091 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526
How to support Donald's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Wachter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
