Ronald F. Wachtmann

Ronald ‘Ron’ Wachtmann of Methuen, MA, passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Thursday, November 10, 2022. He was born Friday, June 18, 1937, in Napoleon, Ohio.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine ‘Gerri’ Wachtmann (nee Wright) and his caring children and their spouses: Mark and Joanna Wachtmann of Payson, AZ, Janet and Ed Robbins of Sandown, NH, and Bruce and Francine Wachtmann of Concord, MA. He was the proud grandfather to Amber Wachtmann, Caroline Wachtmann, Mason Robbins, Jeremy Robbins, and Bryan Robbins, Jake Wachtmann, and great-grandfather to Shane Brown, Kristy Brown and Cooper Brown. Ron was a caring brother to Mildred Gerken (nee Wachtmann), Norman Wachtmann and Melvin Wachtmann. He is survived by his special friend, Ann Hansen and a loving host of nieces, nephews, and great lifelong friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his loving granddaughter, Ashley Wachtmann Brown; father, Alvin Wachtmann; mother, Sophia Wachtmann; his sister, Lorina Wachtmann Meyer; and his brothers, Harold Wachtmann, Arthur Wachtmann, and Raymond Wachtmann.

A graduate from Ridgeville High School in Napoleon, Ohio, Ron also graduated from Ohio State University. He served as a member of the United States Air Force as a meteorologist for 20 years. Concurrently, he earned a Master's degree from Colorado State University along with completing coursework for his Doctorate. After his retirement from the USAF, he worked in industry helping to develop computer workstations and programs for Analytic Sciences Corporation in Reading, MA.

After his second retirement, Ron and Gerri moved to Mesa, AZ, where they shared 20 years of fun together and with friends. Among other things, they spent much of their time dancing while belonging to the ICBDA (International Choreographed Ballroom Dance) organization and playing Duplicate Bridge. Ron belonged to Kiwanis where he and Gerri helped run Estate Sales in their community of Leisure World, whose proceeds benefited Children both locally and around the world, through the Kiwanis’ Children of the World.

Ron had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laid-back way of living life. He enjoyed the outdoors and making people laugh. However, his true passion was spending time with family and friends.

Ron was a unique person, who was liked by all and will be deeply and dearly missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at their home, The Woods at Merrimack, 197 Howe Street, Methuen, MA, on Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 2:00-4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout.