Ronald C. Waechtler

Ronald C. Waechtler, 89, of Fairmount Health Center, Willoughby, OH, went home to be with the Lord, on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ronald was born on July 17, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, and was a longtime resident of Downers Grove, IL, where he lived with his wife Audrey, raising their three daughters. Ronald graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in business. He worked for Amoco Oil Company as a marketing manager from 1960 to 1994. Ronald lived out his Catholic faith serving as a Board member of Illinois Citizens Right to Life, President of St. Joseph School and Church Council, Downers Grove, IL, and President of the Dad’s Club, Benet Academy, Lisle, IL. Ronald was also active in his community serving as a member of the Downers Grove Planning Commission, and, after retirement, working for the political campaign of Al Salvi, the Illinois Republican nominee for the United States Senate. Ronald is survived by his daughters: Karen (Thomas) Tercek, Sandra (Timothy) Thompson and Tama Waechtler; grandchildren: Rebecca (Matthew Tierney) Tercek, Benjamin (Grace) Tercek and Katherine (Chuck Eiben) Tercek Eiben, Allison Thompson, Janyne, Jonathan and Matthew Zambole, and sister: Pamela Brennan. He was the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews and will be missed by many cousins and family friends. Ronald is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years: Audrey A. (Paul) Waechtler; parents: Reinhart and Gertrude Waechtler, sister: Delores Gagel, and brother: Robert Waechtler. Ronald, as a young man, converted to the Catholic faith, under the tutelage of the Jesuit priests at St. Louis University. He was a man of great faith and touched many lives with compassion and God’s love. A celebration Mass of Ronald’s life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Mentor, OH. 44060. A private family Interment is at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Illinois Right to Life, P.O. Box 511, Chicago, IL 60690, or EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), 5817 Old Leeds Rd. Irondale, AL 35210. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060 Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Ronald C. Waechtler

July 17, 1936 - February 22, 2026