Gerald "Jerry" E. Wauchter

Gerald Edward Wauchter, 87,of Franklin Park passed away peacefully at his home on November 19, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and dedicated caregivers.

Born October 29, 1933, Jerry was the son of Edward Wauchter and Jean Vanvoy Wauchter.  He is survived by his devoted daughters, Christine Kirsch and Jane Bickel and his special "boys", son-in-laws Harry A. Kirsch, Mark Nard and Michael Bickel and dear grandchildren, Heidi (Linard) Thomas, Jill Beach, Banker Beach III, Joshua Nard, Lisa Nard, Rachel Nard,  Michael (Sharon) Bickel and Lindsay (Ryan) Merritt.  He was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren:  Juliet & Genevieve Thomas, Mina & Banker H. Beach, Joseph Nard, Sydney & Kira Bickel, Tyler Barus and Kinley, Everly & Ryder Merritt.  He also leaves behind his most cherished cousin, Margaret Plut-Voit, brothers of the heart, David (Kathy) Sauers, Charles (Christine) Sauers and Charles Prenn and sister-in-law Carol Prenn.

Gerald lived a long and varied life with many interests & experiences.  He began his career with Davey Tree Company at the age of 16, and his natural ability and quick learning led him to become an expert climber and knowledgeable tree surgeon.  He spent many years as Chief Forester in North Park as part of Allegheny County Parks Department, where he was instrumental in many continuing improvements.  He also enjoyed his role as chauffer for former Allegheny County Commissioner, Tom Foerster, and instilled in his children the value of the democratic process during his time  of involvement in the local political scene.  Prior to his retirement, Jerry was employed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as a delivery truck driver.

Never one to sit still and always possessed of a natural and sharp curiosity & creativity, Jerry enjoyed many interests and hobbies.  His family members were gifted with his wood carvings and beautiful furniture.  He also loved working and creating in a natural setting with his landscaping and gardening talents.  He loved to dance and travel, and looked forward to spending time with his many friends at his condo in Cocoa Beach, FL.  Jerry had an inquisitive mind and a great love of history.

In his embarking upon his latest adventure, Jerry joins so many whom he loved dearly:  his parents, Edward and Jean Wauchter, his beautiful & dedicated first wife and mother of his children, Jane Ann Sauers Wauchter, his second wife and favorite dance partner, Nancy Sauers Wauchter, his dearly beloved daughter, Linda Wauchter Nard and his best friend and brother-in-law, Raymond "Buzz" Sauers.

Jerry was always ready to help, to work, to laugh, to sing, to dance and to learn.  He left so much of himself and others that came before him in the many stories of his life and family history, and his unique spark and zest for experience will live on with great love in all who knew him.

The family would like to offer a warm & heartfelt thank you to the genuine and compassionate caregivers of BrightStar Care of North Hills, who made a difference of the best kind on the last leg of his earthly journey.