Edward Albert Wachtel, Sr., 77, of Le Center, died Friday, October 3, 2008 at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at St. Peter Funeral Home-Klein Chapel with Rev. Paul Lauer, officiating. Burial will be in Kasota Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Edward was born on July 5, 1931, in Mankato to John and Emma (Fisher) Wachtel. He grew up and attended school in the Mankato area. He married Geraldine Heiser on August 19, 1954, and they later divorced in 1967. On May 23, 1970, he was married to Rose Kump. Ed was a truck driver for various companies in southern Minnesota until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed fishing, racing, playing cards, and country music.

He is survived by 11 children, Darryl (Tammy) Wachtel of North Mankato, Joe (Marlyce) Wachtel of Mankato, Mike (Wendy) Wachtel of Janesville, Diane Sjolander of Mankato, James Wachtel of Mankato, Jonathan (Cindee) Wachtel of Mankato, Edward (Tammy) Wachtel of Stewartville, Pete Wachtel of North Mankato, Martin Wachtel of Moose Lake, Herbert (Barb) Wachtel of Kasota, and Tina Wachtel of Mankato; 20 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Lee Wachtel of Mankato; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rose in 1985; one grandchild, one brother, and one sister.