Obituary of Robert "Bob" Leroy Wachtelhausen

WALLINGFORD - Robert Leroy Wachtelhausen, 95, departed this life on June 14, 2017 at Masonicare Health Center. For nearly sixty-five years he was the beloved husband of the late Doris Wachtelhausen.

Bob was born in Wallingford on March 2, 1922 to the late George and Alice (Marsland) Wachtelhausen. He lived over 95 wonderful years centered on laughter, love of family and duty to country.

From 1942 to 1945 he served in the US Navy where he was a plank owner of the USS Black, a destroyer in the Pacific theater during WWII, and was the recipient of a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged as Machinist's Mate First Class and was a lifetime member and former Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Prior to his retirement, he worked for over 30 years as a machinist at Wallingford Steel. He was actively involved in Masonry, having served as Master of Compass Lodge #9 in 1968 and founder of the local DeMolay, in addition to being a Shriner. He was a longtime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where he served as an usher for many years.

Bob will be cherished in the memories of his sons: Richard (and Lori) Wachtelhausen of Wethersfield, Thomas (and Sue) Wachtelhausen of Wethersfield, Gary (and Kim) Wachtelhausen of Wolcott; his daughter, Roberta Wachtelhausen (Anne Kraske) of South Windsor, his grandchildren: Todd, Christopher, Gregg, Tyler, Leah, and Brendan Wachtelhausen; and great grandchild: Sari Wachtelhausen. He is preceded in death by his brother, Henry and his sisters Alice Ives and Barbara Krebs.

Bob will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, his devotion to his family, his love of the Red Sox and his sense of humor. He and Doris spent 15 years living in Venice, FL where they enjoyed golfing with the Chippers and Sippers, before returning to Connecticut. He loved gathering with friends and family and never missed an opportunity to tell jokes and stories that made everyone laugh. (Don't call him Shirley!) He enjoyed playing cribbage and he passed his knowledge of the game to the next two generations of his family. In his final weeks, he was still playing the game with his son Gary, while maintaining a sharp mind and competitive spirit.

His family will receive visitors on Monday, June 19th from 4 to 7 PM at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm St., Wallingford. A Masonic service, open to all, will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 65 N. Main Street, Wallingford, immediately followed by a religious service. Interment with military honors will be at In Memoriam Cemetery and will be immediately followed by a reception to honor and celebrate Bob's wonderful life.

It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory be directed to the Masonic Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. To leave a message of remembrance or find directions, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.