Published in the Pilot-Tribune March 12, 1953

Ben Wachter Dies, Age 70-Prominent Herman Man Has Heart Attack in Car Thursday

Stricken by a sudden heart attack, Ben Wachter, 70, native and lifetime resident of Herman, was found dead in his car last Thursday morning.

Mr. Wachter was bringing his wife to Blair when they had car trouble. A son, Roland Wachter of Tekamah, happened along and brought his mother on to Blair, then sent a mechanic to help his father. The mechanic found Mr. Wachter dead in the car.

Son of John C. and Emma Wachter, Mr. Wachter was born Sept. 18, 1882, on a farm six miles southwest of Herman. He and Ethel Matthews were married Mar. 6, 1912.

Mr. Wachter in addition to farming, found time for civic activities. He was on the Herman Board of Education almost 20 years, also served on the Washington County Selective Service Board during World War II, and on the advisory committee here for the Farm Security Administration. He was a member of Landmark Lodge 222, A. F. & A. M., at Herman; Mackey Chapter 24, Royal Arch Masons, Tekamah and Herman Chapter 216, Order of Eastern Star, at Herman.

Surviving him are his wife; four sons, Roland of Tekamah, Kenneth and James of Herman and Leo of Minneapolis, Minn. Other survivors include seven grandchildren, also four sisters, Mrs. Emma Hansen of Omaha, Miss Christine Wachter of Norfolk, Mrs. Hilda Yowell of Nebraska City, and Mrs. Freda Deaver of Gillette Wyo.

The funeral was held at the Herman Baptist Church in Herman at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. Glenn Emmert officiated and burial was in the Herman Cemetery with arrangements by the Truhlsen Funeral Home. There were Masonic graveside rituals.

Pallbearers were Allan Yowell, Bill Barclay, and Elmer Thone, Jr., all of Herman; Gerald Yowell of Macedonia, Ia., Duane Perry and Clifford Hansen of Omaha.

Friends meanwhile have created a memorial fund, and 131 have contributed $138.25 to be sent to the Plattsmouth Masonic Home.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.~~~