Mary A. ‘Pudge’ Waechter

Visitation was 9-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Chris Podhajsky officiated.

Mary was born March 23, 1935, in Cascade, the daughter of Alfred and Anna (Rettenmeier) Breitbach. She married Eldon ‘Hank’ Waechter, April 24, 1954, in Farley. Mary spent most of her working career caring for others as a CNN, in addition to volunteering many hours for Hospice. Upon retiring from Mercy Hospital, she continued her passion of caring for others with the residents at Area Residential Care.

Mary was a loving, kind and generous wife, mom, grandmother and friend. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 656, where she enjoyed spending time with many of her Farley girls. Mary cherished her friendships and enjoyed her weekly bowling league, even if she could barely break 100. She loved gathering with family and friends to pass on her love of euchre and playing slot machines. Mary showered her grandkids with hugs and attended school events, birthday parties, played board games and cards. She was a master of the TV guide, finding the perfect game show to watch while crocheting. Over the years, she created many crochet pieces, which she generously donated to charities. She also enjoyed crocheting for family and friends and adding to her personal bear collection.

She is survived by her children: Bob (Margie) Waechter of Dyersville, Bev (Bob) Kluesner of Bentonville, Ark., Becky (Jim) Nickol of Dyersville, Barb (Joe) Westhoff and Barry Waechter, both of Celina, Tex., Brenda (Rick) Moore of Dubuque; grandchildren: Greg (Annie) Waechter, Stephanie (Dan) Gioimo, Anne (Andrew) Woodle, Sarah (Stephen) Bridgeford, Lisa (Rodney) Shelby, Chris (Katie) Nickol, Lori (Jeremy) Kloser, Tracy Stephens, Bill (Lauren) Westhoff, Jeff (Diana) Westhoff, Scott (Alex) Waechter, Amy (Chris) Shylman, Madeline, Taylor and Nic Moore; 16 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Alfred ‘Speed’ Breitbach of Des Moines; and a sister-in-law, Germaine Breitbach of Neponset, Ill..

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, ‘Hank,’ in 1987; two sons, William Waechter in 1973 and Brian Waechter in 2021; granddaughter, Jody Waechter in 1975; siblings: Lyle Breitbach, Rita (Joe) Burd, Darlene (Russ) Curley; and in-laws: Rita Breitbach, Carl (Vivian) Waechter and Rita Waechter.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ellen Kennedy Living Center and MercyOne Senior Care for the wonderful support and compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com. Memorials may be sent to the family at Kramer Funeral Home c/o Mary Waechter family, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.