Richard Lee Wachter

Richard Lee Wachter, 92, died April 18, 2025, at Independence Village in Petoskey, Michigan.

He was born on January 12, 1933, in Newberry, Michigan, to Ellaree (Davenport) and William Wachter, Jr. Richard grew up in Naubinway and graduated from Engadine Consolidated Schools.  He attended Northern Michigan University before being drafted into the United States Army as a Medic.  After he returned from service, he resumed his studies at Northern Michigan University, receiving his Bachelors of Science in Biology and his teaching certificate. Later he earned his Master’s Degree from Northern Michigan University in Public Administration.

On August 18, 1956, he married the love of his life, Betty Vallier. Together they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage.

Richard began his career at Cheboygan Area High School as a teacher from 1958-1962. Then he taught at Ishpeming High School, where he served as biology teacher from 1962-1965, Athletic Director from 1965-1972, and later as High School Principal from 1972-1979. He and Betty later moved back to Cheboygan, where Richard continued as Principal of Cheboygan High School from 1979 until his retirement in 1988. He was a proud member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  And was also a member of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, active in the Ishpeming Kiwanis, Ishpeming Booster Club, and the Cheboygan Dad’s Club.

Richard was a member of St. Stephen Church in Naubinway, St. Mary/St. Charles Parish in Cheboygan, and St. Francis Xavier in Petoskey.  Richard was also a member of Cross in Woods in Indian River and greatly enjoyed volunteering as a greeter.

Richard found joy in many things, including gardening, boating, fishing, singing, cooking, and spending time at deer camp in the Upper Peninsula. His greatest joy came from being with his family and friends. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and cherished every moment with them.

He is survived by his wife Betty of Petoskey; children Brian (Linda Anderson) Wachter of Cheboygan, Brenda (Dr. Mark) Kulbieda of Petoskey, and Beth (Bill) Albrecht of Carp Lake; grandchildren Brennon Wachter, Ellaree Wachter, Alicia (Kris) Konicki, Ashley (Tyler) Reeve, Faith Kulbieda, and Jackson Kulbieda; great-grandchildren Harlan Reeve, KJ Konicki and Lucy Konicki; brother Geno (Sandra) Wachter of Marquette; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his siblings, Donald (Lois) Wachter, Cy (Gen) Wachter, Winnie (Bob) Wertz, and Gary Wachter.

There will be a memorial mass at St. Francis Xavier on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Richard will be laid to rest at the Garfield Township Cemetery in Naubinway at a later date.

The Wachter family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Independence Village for the compassionate care provided to both Betty and Richard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the or St. Stephen Catholic Mission Church (stgregorysmissions.com) or Knights of Columbus (kofc.org)

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