Daniel Dean “Dan” Wachter, age 64 of Prairie du Chien passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI after battling an illness. He was born in Prairie du Chien on December 27, 1961. He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School with the class of 1981. Dan was a licensed journeyman plumber and worked at the 3M Company in Prairie du Chien for 33 years until his retirement in October of 2024.
Dan loved the outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. One of his favorite past times was sitting in his tree stand waiting for the big buck to pass by. He enjoyed teaching and sharing these hobbies with his children and grandchildren. He loved riding his ATV and being outside. He loved watching football and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. Dan also really enjoyed sitting on his front porch, watching and feeding the hummingbirds. He took pride in mowing and maintaining his lawn.
Dan is survived by his former wife Julie Arneson-Forst, and from that union, 3 children were born.
Dan is survived by his children Daniel (Marissah) Wachter of Prairie du Chien, WI, Arielle (Matt) Ross of Garnavillo, IA, and Angelle (Daniel Brueggeman) Wachter of Viroqua, WI; grandchildren Lacee and Oaklee Wachter of Prairie du Chien, WI, Oliver Ross of Garnavillo, IA, and Tanden and Delilah Brueggeman of Viroqua, WI.
Dan is further survived by his siblings Randy (Janet) Wachter of Prairie du Chien, WI, William (Dawn) Wachter of Woodman, WI, and Gina (Neil) Wimmer of St. Charles, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents William Wachter Sr. and Arleen Gillitzer; and stepfather Howard Gillitzer.
A Memorial Service will be Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Garrity Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in the Evergreen Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and also at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.
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