Walter Louis "Wally" Wachta

LANCASTER, S.C. - Walter Louis "Wally" Wachta, 94, passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2025.
Born in Bondsville, Mass., Wally lived a life grounded in faith, family, and community.
Wally proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was during his time in the Air Force that he met the love of his life, Martha Mae Wachta. They married in 1954 in Palmer, Mass., and shared a beautiful partnership built on love, devotion, and shared purpose.
In 1964, Wally relocated his family to Lancaster, S.C., as a founding employee of Southern Screen Engraving. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving others led him to establish Pelican Prints in 1976. For decades, he provided quality screen-printed merchandise to the Lancaster community. More than a business, Pelican Prints became a place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and lives were touched. Wally remained dedicated to his craft and his customers until his well-earned retirement at the age of 89.
Deeply invested in his community, Wally coached little league baseball, volunteered with the local community theater, and was an active member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce in his earlier years. His passion for bringing people together was evident in everything he did.
Wally's faith was central to his life. As an early and devoted member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church, he served as a lector during Mass, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. His commitment to his faith and his church family was an inspiration to many and his presence will be dearly missed by all who worshiped alongside him.
Above all, Wally was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Christopher Wachta (Pamela); his daughter, Catherine Wachta-Sanders; his grandson, Shane Sanders; and his great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by wife of 69 years, Martha Mae Wachta; and his granddaughter, Alicia Sanders.
Wally had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcome, never knowing a stranger and always offering warmth and kindness. His legacy of generosity, faith, and genuine connection will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Lancaster, S.C., in honor of Wally's life and enduring faith.
An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.
Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Wally Wachta.