Peter Herbert Wachtel

Peter “Pete” Herbert Wachtel, age 61, of Mankato, Minnesota, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, with family by his side, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 after complications from pneumonia and an 8-year, hard-fought battle with prostate cancer.

Pete was born on September 17, 1964 in Mankato, Minnesota to Edward and Geraldine Wachtel, also of Mankato. Pete attended Mankato Public Schools throughout his childhood. Pete married Julie Munsen in January 1982. They have one son together, Jason. They have since divorced. In 1986, Pete started his own carpentry business, Pete Wachtel Construction. With some help from family, friends, and other skilled craftsmen and laborers, his business was able to thrive up to his retirement in 2024. Pete married Michelle Kramer in March 2021. Michelle was with Pete every step of the way, right up to the very end.

In his free time, Pete enjoyed many different activities and hobbies that included softball, bowling, golfing, camping, fishing, auto racing, backyard camp fires, and many more. Pete had a passion for weather and became a local severe storm chaser and spotter. Most recently, Pete really enjoyed his travels and cruises together with his wife, Michelle.

Pete was active in several different community clubs and organizations in the local area. He was a longtime member of the North Mankato American Legion #518 SAL, where he helped plan and coordinate events and fundraisers for the club. Pete was also a member of the Eagles Club in Mankato. Pete had some part-time work with the Eagle Lake Police Reserves and the Mankato Civic Center event security staff.

Pete will be remembered by many as a hardworking, tough, stubborn at times man with a hard exterior, but a soft, warm and compassionate heart of gold inside.

Pete is survived by his wife, Michelle; son, Jason (Lisa); step-daughter, Joanna Kramer (Cameron); grandchildren, Brooklynn, Brayden, Brielle, and Brycen; sister, Diane Mann; brothers, Darryl, Mike (Wendy), Jon (Cindee), Marty, Lonnie (Audrey) Evers, and Jon Evers; sisters-in-law, Marlyce Wachtel and Tammy “TJ” Wachtel; brothers-in-law, Craig (Cheryl) Wasko, Randy (Deb) Wasko, and Mike (Kristen) Wasko. Pete also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Geraldine Evers; brothers, Joel, Eddie, and Jim; and nephew, Matthew Barr.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the ICU and PCU departments at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato for their wonderful care and compassion throughout Pete’s stay and in his final moments.

A special thank you to Pastor Jay and Pastor Jacie of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato for regular visits and spiritual words that helped strengthen faith and the message from our Lord.

“Now I can sleep.”

Service details are pending.