FITCHBURG - Robert William "Bob" Wachter, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was born on August 31, 1948, in Madison, the son of Robert A. and Mary (Ryan) Wachter.

Bob graduated from Wisconsin Heights High School and earned a Bachelor’s in Marketing from UW-Whitewater. He proudly served as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles” during the Vietnam War.

Bob was united in marriage to Dianna Verden on October 5, 1974, in Madison… or the 4th? They have a hard time remembering which date it was. What they do agree on is that they were in a loving marriage that lasted 51 years.

He loved being outdoors in every season. A lifelong athlete, he enjoyed many sports, with a particular passion for baseball, football, soccer, and golf. He was an avid supporter of Wisconsin local sports. Most likely inspired by his own athletic experience being a catcher in Home Talent Baseball (where he was known as “Christmas”), making a hole in one in a golf tournament, and playing goalie in soccer into his 60s. He especially loved when one of his daughters, nieces or nephews was participating (this also extends to dance recitals, plays, and hosting gigs). There wasn't a fence or locked athletic center that kept him from watching one of his kids follow their passion. Not only was he a spectator, but he also devoted several years to herding young children around softball and soccer fields trying to pass down his skills. Some people prefer to call that "coaching".

He worked for 30+ years in the food pump and milk homogenizer industry. He was well liked by all of his coworkers who said he was very good at his job. At one point in time, he had visited every cheese plant in the country; and even a few internationally. Which as a good ol’ Wisconsin boy, was a huge point of pride.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dianna; daughters, Beth Wachter (Joshua Hittesdorf) and Kristy (Patrick) Oberhauser; aunt, Bev (Harland) Marten; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Judy.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Robert W. Wachter

August 31, 1948 - March 01, 2026

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