John Michael Wachter, 83 of 501 Beech Street, Coal Township passed away early Saturday morning, September 19, 2026 in the comfort of his home and the care of his loving wife.

Born on December 1, 1942 at the former Shamokin State General Hospital, Coal Township, he was the son of the late John J. and Rita E. (Brennan) Wachter.

He was a 1960 graduate of the former Coal Township High School.

Mr. Wachter served his country in the US Army from February 1961 until his honorable discharge in February 1963. He received the Expert Marksmanship Badge for grenade, pistol and bayonet, the Sharpshooter Badge for the 3.5 Rocket Launcher and the Marksman Badge for the .30 caliber Light Machine Gun.

John had a long career in public service and retired as a patrolman for the Coal Township Police Department; he was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

On August 20 1983 in Arizona, he married the former Janet E. Thompson who survives.

John was a member of the Silver Hill Rod and Gun Club, Troxelville; the Fairview Gun Club, Shamokin, the Maine Fire Company #1, Coal Township, the Union County Sportsmen’s Club and the Trevorton American Legion Post 92.

He especially cherished the time he spent with his family, particularly the many trips and special memories he shared with his wife. He was rarely seen without his beloved Standard Poodle and constant companion, “Reddog,” who was his faithful sidekick. John was an avid hunter and greatly enjoyed the time he spent at his hunting camp, where he could relax and pursue one of his favorite pastimes. He was also a true car enthusiast and owned many vehicles throughout his life, with his last several being Ford Mustang GT convertibles. John was an avid gun collector and took great pride in his extensive collection. He also enjoyed watching the History Channel, particularly programs about World War II, reflecting his lifelong interest in history.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his son, Justin M. Wachter and his sister, Eileen Stutz.

Surviving in addition to his wife of forty-three years, Janet E. Wachter are his nephew, Michael Weaver and his wife Deb with their daughter Ava all of Paxinos; one sister, Maureen Weaver of Carolina Shores, North Carolina; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jack Stutz of Orange, California; Lynette Darrah and her husband Ed of State College, Jeanne Higgins and her husband Rich of Lewisburg, Roy Thompson and his wife Cheryl of Sunbury, and Phillip Thompson and his wife Lynn of Coal Township; several additional nieces and nephews, cousins, numerous friends and his faithful dog, “Reddog”.

Funeral services and interment with military honors in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap will be private at the convenience of the family. Rev. Jean Eckrod will officiate. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library, 210 East Independence Street, Shamokin, PA 17872. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor has been entrusted with the arrangements. To offer condolences or share memories or photos of John with his family, please sign the guestbook below.