Joseph William Wachter's Obituary
Joseph (Joe) William Wachter, 98, passed away at Via Christi Village, Pittsburg, KS, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He was born on September 6, 1927, to Peter Wachter and Josephine (Kraner) Wachter, both of Frontenac, KS.
After serving in the Army Air Corps and attending college at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, Joe worked in the printing industry for more than 50 years, mostly with Pittcraft Printing, in Pittsburg. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Craftsman Club, Four Oaks Golf Course, and Crestwood Country Club.
On June 16, 1951, Joe married Marianne Smardo at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS. They were married for 72 years until her passing in April of 2024.
Joe and Marianne enjoyed entertaining in their Victorian home, which they lovingly restored over the years. Joe’s love language was repairing things, and he never stopped working on their home or helping fix things for his kids.
As a man of great faith, Joe served as an Usher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church until his body was no longer able. He never missed a Sunday mass, except once in Italy (it’s a funny story!)
Joe and his beloved wife, Marianne, enjoyed many adventures traveling across the USA and Europe with family and friends. They even co-authored an amazing collection of detailed vacation plans in 1964 to guide readers as they prepare to tour 15 different areas of our country. The pages of their book Travel Log USA are filled with pictures and mile marker numbers along interstates to help you find the best campgrounds, fishing spots, museums, or restaurants.
The Wachters traveled to Europe more than a dozen times. One of Joe’s most exciting trips abroad was to the golf mecca of St. Andrews, Scotland. He was well known for his love of golf, even referred to as “Fairway Joe” by his golfing buddies. On two occasions, Joe was fortunate to score a hole-in-one.
Having 98 wonderful years was a blessing not only for Joe and his immediate family but also for his extended family. He loved all his nieces, nephews, and cousins, enjoying their visits even in these last few years when residing at Via Christi Village.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne; his parents, Peter and Josephine; his brothers, P.J. “Bud”, Andy, and Paul; and his sisters, Colette Moriconi and Sr. Agnes Joseph.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Jo Warmuth (Overland Park, KS); his son, Kurt Wachter and long-time partner, Bridgette Evans (Girard, KS); his granddaughter, Natalie Oliver (Overland Park, KS); his granddaughter, Emily Wachter (Pittsburg, KS); his great-grandson, Jacob Oliver (Overland Park, KS); and his great-granddaughter, Alexandria Williams (Overland Park, KS).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 1 pm, with interment to follow at Highland Park Cemetery. The Rosary will be at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 pm a visitation will follow until 8 pm. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy in the form of memorials to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or Americas Vetdogs -Veterans K9 Corp Inc. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762
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