Ms. Carol Joyce Wachter's Obituary
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Carol Wachter, 89, of Madison, Tennessee, sadly passed away on February 10, 2025. She was born on October 30, 1935, in Van Horne, Iowa, to the late Anton Martin Hessenius and Mathilda Lauterwasser.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son-in-law, Tom Travaglini; sisters, Lucille (George) Hartman, Rosella (Everett) Fruendt, Ruth (William) Jahlas, Lois (Robert) Struck, and Dorothy (John) Runyon.
She is survived by her children, Jacquie Travaglini, Rodney (Debbie) Wachter, Vicki (Jim) Barnes, and Mark (Lisa) Wachter; sister, Joan (Russell) Lindburgh; grandchildren, Kaile (Greg) O’Morrissey, Kari (Garrett) Copeland, Colby Wachter, Ty Travaglini, Trett Travaglini, Tate (Jenna) Travaglini, Calvron Wachter, Clayton Wachter, and Colton Wachter; greatgrandchildren, Thor Travaglini, Torin Travaglini, Brooks Copeland, Baylor Copeland, Tessa Travaglini, and Benton O’Morrissey.
As a young child she enjoyed working on the family farm in Van Horne, Iowa. She grew up in a large family as one of the seven girls. Carol enjoyed sewing, quilting and ceramics. She loved to travel, and her favorite vacations were trips to Alaska and Aruba. She enjoyed sporting events, especially if one of her grandchildren or great grandchildren were playing. She once said her favorite holiday was Easter because that is when everything started to bloom. She went to grade school in Iowa at St John’s Lutheran and graduated from Van Horne High School, where she was named All-State Basketball. She also attended business school in Iowa. She spent part of her working career as office manager in her husband’s law firm, and then later, she worked as office manager in her son’s chiropractic business, Springfield Chiropractic. Throughout her life, and especially in retirement, she filled her days spending time with grandchildren, family members, and helping friends and neighbors. She attended Ascension Lutheran Church in Madison, TN.
For many years she hosted weekly family dinners at her home. As the family grew larger, it became more difficult for her to be the solo host. One of her sons and his wife wanted to carry on this family tradition; therefore, Sunday night dinners and most holidays were celebrated together at her son’s home. She was always there and loved every minute!
Family meant the world to her, and she enjoyed getting everyone together for meals and family events and celebrations. She always said, “Friends may come and go, but family is forever”. She brought laughter, joy, and happiness to everyone who crossed her path. She stressed the importance of being together as a family, and she always wanted to give or get a hug and kiss when you left her presence. She was always willing to help and would give everything away if she thought someone needed it more than her. She also loved her Boston Terrier, Charlie. She especially enjoyed it when he wanted to be in all the family photos. Anytime a camera was out, Charlie would quickly get into the photo, look at the camera perfectly, all without prompting. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate towards the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 12 o'clock in the afternoon until the time of service. The funeral service will be at 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the Spring Hill Chapel.
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