Lorene C. Wachter, 98, of Eau Claire died Monday, July 12, 2010, at her home. She was born and raised in Elgin, IL, on April 6, 1912, the daughter of Elmer and Pearl (Ollman) Weichel.

Always an incurable optimist, Lorene sparkled.  She left Elgin to attend Iowa State University and the University of Illinois where she majored in home economics. This began her lifelong avocation as a wonderful cook and homemaker. Her famous Italian spaghetti and meatballs was her signature dish. She also met her future husband “Hank,” who “crooned” his way into her heart at Illinois. At Iowa State she became a member of Pi Beta Phi, to which she was loyal all of her life. She married Henry A. Wachter in Elgin on September 12, 1936. They lived in Riverside, Evanston, Glenview, and Arlington Heights, IL until moving to Eau Claire in 1998. They raised two daughters, Kay and Nancy.    
In 1951 she began a twenty-four year career at Washington National Insurance Company of Evanston, Illinois where she rose from a position as file clerk to being one of the first female executives. She retired in 1977 and began her world travels, which extended from Australia to Norway, Montreal to Tijuana, and many points in between. But perhaps the greatest joy of her life was her ever-expanding family.

She had a lifelong love of music, especially ragtime piano, and songs by her favorite crooner (see above!). In her later years, her bright smile and twinkling eyes could be seen at many local restaurants and music events, especially Jim Radloff’s January Ragtime Festival. She also enjoyed the special friendship of the B-girls and the kindness of those associated with Northwest Wisconsin HomeCare. 

Lorene is survived by her daughters, Kathryn “Kay” Kennedy and Nancy Howard, both of Eau Claire; ten grandchildren; twenty--going on twenty-one--great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. The Kennedy grandchildren are: Sarah Swanson, Minneapolis, MN, Ann Gerzsik, Black River Falls, Margaret (Col. John) Poast, Brasilia, Brazil, Kathryn (John) Schulte, Hudson, Richard (Laura) Kennedy, St. Paul, MN, Elizabeth (Eric) Wiechert of Eau Claire, Charlie (Emily Cramer) Kennedy, St. Paul, MN.  The Howard grandchildren are: Carrie (Jeffrey) Hatfield, Dallas, TX, Megan (Stuart) Allison, Millersville, MD and Dr. John (Dr. Serena) Howard, Northbrook, IL. Also surviving her are several Wachter nieces and nephews; and many good friends, especially Janelle Sanders, who provided tireless care during the last two years. 
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry in 2000; and her brother, Elmer V. Weichel Jr.; and many, many relatives and good friends.  
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St., Eau Claire with Father Frank Corradi officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
 
Her family requests that memorials be directed to The Pi Beta Phi EHT Fund (www.pibetphifoundation.org/emmaharperturner),  Hospice Program, C/O Northwest
Wisconsin HomeCare, Post Office Box 2060, Eau Claire, WI 54702,
or any local charity or service.