Sylvester "Sonny" Wechter, age 90, was called home to be with his Savior on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 while surrounded by his loving family at The Willows in Willard.
Sonny was born on April 4, 1929 to the late Sylvester and Marie (Kreim) Wechter and was a life-long resident of New Washington, Ohio.
He graduated from New Washington High School and soon-after learned his trade as a bricklayer where he was an artist at his craft for 44 years, working for Weithman Brothers and Studer-Obringer throughout his career.
Always a gentleman with a humble and generous heart, Sonny was quick with a humorous quip and was a friend to anyone he met. He was a kind, caring and talented man who served the community of New Washington as mayor for over 20 years, served on city council, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Bernard's Catholic parish, sang in the church choir, and played the clarinet in the N.W. Band for many years.
Sonny enjoyed playing golf and cards with friends, attending his grandchildren's events and activities, reading, Notre Dame, and most of all, time with family.
On August 19, 1950, Sonny married Patricia A. Kaple and celebrated 69 years of marriage together. They raised four children: Joseph T. Wechter (Lynn Murphy), John M. Wechter (Dawn Trimboli), Angela K. Schroeder (John) and James L. Wechter (Marjorie Hamilton). They enjoyed 10 grandchildren: Sheila (Brad) Fletcher, Brad Wechter, Rachel Smith (Nate Merritt), Andrew (Marianna) Wechter, Austin (Ashley) Wechter, Anthony (Tara) Schroeder, Cara (Chris) Russell, Casey Wechter, Eric Wechter, and Caden Hall; and also 14 great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Patricia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Franklin Wechter, Doris Caporini, Sr. Alice Louise Wechter, and grandson Mark Schroeder.
Friends and family may attend a funeral mass officiated by Fr. George Mahas at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in New Washington, OH at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Per Sonny's request, in lieu of calling hours, his family would like to welcome everyone to a celebration dinner and gathering that will follow immediately at St. Bernard's gymnasium. Assisting the family with arrangements was Secor Funeral Homes. Burial will take place at St. Bernard's Catholic cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard's Catholic Church or the New Washington Community Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Mike and Gloria Conway - Mar 7, 2020
We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Pat, for your loss. Sonny will be missed by so many people. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family.
Peggy Opatken - Feb 26, 2020
I was in the NW band with Sonny and later brought communion to him at the nursing home. Nice man
Sharon Kay Moore - Feb 25, 2020
To Pat, Jim and all of the Wechter family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Sonny. We had not heard about it until everything was over. We get the TF here in Attica thru the mail and late and hadn't heard thru any NW contact. All of the Moores offer our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Sonny was a nice - fun guy to be around and he served New Washington community well - guess the last I saw him was probably playing his clarinet in the NW band! Take care all! Sharon M.
Marilyn Kempf - Feb 22, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Wechter family on Sonny's passing. May we all try to live up to the family values & standards demonstrated by Pat & Sonny. ....so many track meets & ball games! ?
Madelyn - Feb 22, 2020
To the Wechter Family, I Want To Extend My Deepest Sympathy in Your loss. Keeping everyone in my prayers!
Rose and Gary Pittenger - Feb 22, 2020
Send prayers for your family.
Sorry for your loss
Russ and Betty Newland - Feb 21, 2020
Pat, Joe, John, Jim and Angel and families. Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Hold onto all those wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all??
Jo Cains - Feb 21, 2020
Dear Mrs. Wechter, I know the heart pain you now have. Please accept my condolences and know that I will say a prayer for you and your family today.
Jim & Rosemary Flavin - Feb 21, 2020
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, he was a great role model for his family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
John & JoAnn Waldruff - Feb 21, 2020
We are saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing and extend our deepest sympathy. May God bless you with His comfort. John & JoAnn
Laura Weatherbie - Feb 21, 2020
My family was truly blessed to have Sonny and Pat as our neighbors for 10 years. Always a pleasure visiting with him. So happy the kids and I were able to visit last month! He will be missed by many! Many prayers being sent to Pat and the entire family!
Ginny and David Bursa - Feb 21, 2020
My Dearest 2nd Family,
Our Sincerest Sympathy to you all in the loss of your precious husband, father, father in law, grandfather, and great grandfather. What a beautiful man Sonny was.... inside and out! From the very first time I met this wonderful family of yours back in 1977, I've been "accepted as a daughter" and could NEVER have asked for a more loving and special "2nd family" than Sonny and Pat, Angel and ALL of you!! May God's every grace and blessing bring you HIS comfort and peace, HIS strength and love. My heart is broken as I know the extreme pain of losing someone so very precious and dear to us. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers, our love and friendship as we ask God to help you all through this time of one who was so very special to each of you and to so many others.....how blessed we were to be in that "grouping" of "others loved by him"! Our sincerest sympathy and love to you all! Always and forever.........ginny and david bursa
Doug and Tonya Riedel - Feb 21, 2020
The memories you all share will carry you through this difficult time. Sonny was a great friend to my day since they were kids growing up in New Washington. Sonny always had time for anyone that cross his path. He cared about his children and the friends they brought to their home. I felt welcome in Pat and Sonny's house as I did anywhere. May the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.
Jim and Jody Shackelford - Feb 20, 2020
Prayers to Aunt Pat and family.
Thank you Sonny for all the memories we get to keep forever.
Sr. Edna Michel, OSF/Tiffin - Feb 20, 2020
I always knew Sonny as a prince of a man. He and Pat could not have made a better match. They raised their family with the same solid values as were instilled in each of them. Not only New Washington, but the world is a better place because of Sonny's life. My faith assures me that he will continue to watch over his beloved family, native town, and his wide circle of acquaintances, co-workers, parishioners, and more. We'll pray for you, Sonny; please continue to pray for us.
Mark and Valerie Wondrash - Feb 20, 2020
I am sorry for your your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your whole family.
