Edward Allen Wachtel

Edward Allen Wachtel of Howard Lake, MN passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on July 18, 2024 at the age of 60. Eddie (also known as “Scruffy” by his sister and brothers) was born on August 7, 1963 in Mankato, MN, where he grew up. He graduated from Mankato East High School in 1982. Eddie married the love of his life, Tammy Jensen, on November 21, 1987. They were happily married for 36 years. He graduated college in 1991 and continued on his career in IT and electronics for many large corporations as well as teaching computer classes at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson in the 90’s. He started a few of his own consulting companies and built his own websites throughout the years, always trying to progress in his field.

Eddie spent most of his free time camping and hiking with his family in the county and state parks with their German Shepherd, Ash. Eddie’s favorite was hiking Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors and canoeing down the St. Croix River. And we can’t forget our steamboat rides on the St. Croix with his friends and family, which he would book our outing as “Eddie and the Cruisers” and tried to make it a yearly event.

He really loved music (James Taylor was his favorite). He loved Metallica and Alice in Chains and would sing his favorites at the occasional karaoke night. He loved playing guitar, jamming with his children, creating music, writing songs and beautiful poems for his wife.

He loved fishing, reading books, building stuff in his garage and had many hobbies including 3D printing, gaming, building robots, flying his drones, and anything “techy”. He was the go-to guy for any computer problems for the family. He cherished memories of camping with his children, parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews at Daly Park in Mapleton over the years. Lots of fun times hiking out to the island on the lake, huge family potlucks, and campfires. And we would all chuckle whenever there was a thunderstorm, as he would put on his yellow rain gear and walk around to everyone's campsite saying “quack, quack” like a duck swimming in water.

Eddie will be remembered as being the most compassionate, kind, and thoughtful husband, father, grandfather, and brother, who truly loved his entire family. He loved cracking jokes (even in his final days), having fun and enjoying time with his friends and family.

Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine; stepfather, Charles Evers; brother, Joel Wachtel. He is survived by his wife, Tammy (TJ) Wachtel; sons, Brandon Wachtel, Shane (Jasmin) Rykhus; daughters, Brittany Wachtel, Nicole Metille; seven grandchildren; siblings, Darryl, Mike (Wendy), Diane, Jim, Jon (Cindee), Pete (Michelle), Marty; half siblings, Lonnie (Audrey) Evers, Jon Evers; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Lakeview Clinic, Ridgeview Medical Center, and Glencoe Regional Hospital for taking such great care of Eddie these last few months and to Moments Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Eddie and our family in his final days. Thank you to his daughter, Brittany, who came from Duluth to stay with him and care for him while his wife was at work, and all the family, friends, Tammy’s coworkers, and neighbors who have helped out even without needing to be asked. The kindness and consideration of so many during this time really touched the immediate family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering at Sibley Park Pavilion, 900 Mound Ave., Mankato, MN, on August 9, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family to help with the cost for final expenses would be appreciated.