Harold Wachter was born in Bowling Green, OH on September 3rd, 1930 to William and Esther (Esther Mary Katherine Eschedor) Wachter. He was one of many children in the family growing up near Bowling Green, OH. Herald was married twice, first to Delores who bore two children; Marilyn (Ron) Miller of Old Fort, OH and Bill Wachter of Luckey, OH. After divorcing Delores in 1969 he married Mary A. Venis on Sep. 17th, 1982.
Prior to 1972 Harold Wachter was in charge of the baseball program in Luckey. Through his hard work the first baseball diamond was constructed. Besides getting the field ready for game day, he scheduled the games for all 5 teams and coached them. Add to this that he purchased uniforms if he could find the money as well as all of the equipment. In his spare time he ordered everything needed for the concession stand. Harold Wachter basically did everything. The one thing that caused the most problems for Harold was finding money for equipment and uniforms.
Harold was a furnace operator for Libby Owens Ford, Rossford, OH and retired in 1980. Harold was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Luckey, OH, Luckey Kiwanis Club, served several terms as Luckey Councilman and Luckey Little League coach. Wachter field in Luckey was named in his honor. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, helping in the community with his backhoe and dump truck. The citizens of Luckey have many fond memories of Harold chugging down the town streets in his backhoe. Harold was a true friend to those in need and always offered a helping hand. Harold served on Town Council, was defeated in the race for Mayor and was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club.
Harold died at the age of 78 Sunday June 28, 2011
Luckey Youth Organization – Keith Niederkohr, 17 May 2012
In 1972 the LYO was founded through the efforts of Keith Niederkohr and Tony Spahn. They formed the organization in order to reach out to the citizens and businessmen of Luckey for financial support to help the summer baseball teams in the community.
Prior to 1972 Harold Wachter was in charge of the baseball program in Luckey. Through his hard work the first baseball diamond was constructed. Besides getting the field ready for game day, he scheduled the games for all 5 teams and coached them. Add to this that he purchased uniforms if he could find the money as well as all of the equipment. In his spare time he ordered everything needed for the concession stand. Harold Wachter basically did everything. The one thing that caused the most problems for Harold was finding money for equipment and uniforms.
Keith Niederkohr and Tony Spahn felt an organization is what was needed to help support the efforts of Harold Wachter. With the help of their wives they came up with the “Luckey Youth Organization” (LYO) name. Keith and Tony designed fliers and had enough printed so as to reach every household in Luckey. On two Saturdays the fliers were delivered door to door. Every business as well was asked for donations.
The moneys collected were enough to purchase uniforms for 2 of the 5 teams and all of the equipment for 5 teams. Parents also volunteered to run a concession stand and help coach. The LYO was off to a great beginning.
A short time later the LYO was challenged when soccer and girl’s softball was added. In time the parents of the original organization were no longer interested in being involved as their children had grown and were no longer playing. As parents retired their service, other parents stepped in. Eventually second and third fields were added to the Basic Park facility. Through the unselfish work of volunteers, Basic Park evolved into one of the best facilities in all of North West Ohio.
“I would like to think that I played a part in giving our youth the best that we could offer. I’m very proud to see what Luckey has given to its youth. “
Signed; Keith Niederkohr 17 May 2012