Susan B. Wachter
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Mass of Christian Burial for Susan B. Wachter, 72, Lawrence, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2020 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Pioneer Cemetery in Lawrence. Susan passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Neuvant House.
Susan was born on October 10, 1948 in Moberly, MO, the daughter of Jasper W. and Irma (Delonay) Smith.
She married John H. Wachter on August 14, 1971 in Pittsburg, KS.
Susan earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pittsburg State and her Masters’ degree in business administration from the University of Kansas in 1986.
She joined the athletics department staff in 1980 as Assistant Athletics Director of Business Operations and assumed the duties as Chief Financial Officer in August 1996. She retired from Kansas Athletic, Inc. in 2014.
She was honored as the Outstanding Female Employee of the Year in 1987 by the University of Kansas. She was a past president of the College Athletic Business Management Association and has served as a consultant to the NCAA Special Committee to Study Financial Conditions in Intercollegiate Athletics.
In 1992, Wachter received the Manager of the Year Award from the College Athletic Business Managers Association and was honored in 2014 Ken Farris Senior Lifetime achievement award.
Susan was a longtime parishioner of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, participated in various volunteer committees, and enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their myriad of activities.
Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; daughter, Jessica (Chris) Thompson, Lawrence; and two grandchildren, Henry and Landry Thompson.
The Funeral Mass can be viewed at cccparish.org/live
The family suggests memorials in Susan Wachter’s name to KU Endowment in support of Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund. Donations should be sent to KU Endowment, Attn: Susan Wachter Memorial, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or give online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow. Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I am so sorry John and Jessica! Susan was a great lady. She was always so good to me when I worked in the Business Office at Kansas Athletics. Lots of memories from those days! Please know I’m thinking of you at this most difficult time!
John,
My heart and prayers go out to you and Jessica. She was so funny, witty and cared for everyone… may you fine peace in her journey.
Oh, Susan! We had such a great time working together. I, in University Relations; you, in Athletics. All those years and years. I looked forward to every time I needed to phone you. Or email. I wish I could have know you outside of work. You will certainly be missed. Greatly missed.
John, I am sorry for your loss. Susan was very special. Best wishes to you and your family.
Susan was a long-time active member of the Lawrence Kiwanis club, serving as treasurer for more than 10 years. She participated in many service projects and was well-liked by all the members.
John and Jessica, we are so very sorry for your loss. Susan was a special lady.
Rusty Thomas, Lawrence Kiwanis club
John & Jess,
My heart hurts for you. I so much enjoyed working for Susan & thought of her as not only a boss, but also a friend. You both are in my thoughts & prayers ❤much love to you both????
John and Jessica and Family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I always loved her stories about her childhood and hearing the history about all the pieces in the hutch. It was all so beautiful, she loved every piece. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed all she shared with me. My heart goes out to you all. Sincerely, Vicky Carlson
John & Jess. I met you both but don’t feel bad for not remembering me. I worked for Susan in the Shirley era. They were both so kind and loving. I didn’t go to any games last 2-3 years so lost touch. You have lost a kind mom and wife, but you will forever remember her kind soul. I will always have the kindest, unforgettable memories of the love and kindness she showed everyone.
John and family,
We were sadden to read in today’s Journal World that Susan had passed. We met Susan through her work with KU Athletics when Tom servered on the Athletic Board.
She was well respected for her honesty and integrity by everyone who her.
Susan was indeed a special woman, may she rest in peace. We will keep your entire family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tom & Kathy Mulinazzi
John and Jessica,
I am so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. She was a wonderful mentor to me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities I had due to her support. I have thought of her often, and regret never taking the time to check in to say hello. Know that she will always have a place in my heart.
John and Jessica,
I am so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. I’ve thought of her often and regret not taking the time to touch base. Susan was a very important person in my life. Her mentorship provided me with many opportunities, and influenced the rest of my career. She helped me many times when I needed advice or a place to land. She will always be in my heart.
Many blessings to you both and your family.
George Catt:
John and family,
Sincere condolences during your time of loss.
John and Jessica: Heartfelt condolences to you from Mary Beth and me. Susan was such a pleasure to know and work with. Her encyclopedic knowledge of KAI saved my (and others’) bacon more times than I can count. I missed her greatly when she retired; she was smart, honorable and always willing to help. (And she loved those grandkids, which we can relate to now!) God bless.
John and Jessica…
Glenn and I are so very sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. She was a wonderful woman snd leaves quite a legacy. May she Rest In Peace until you meet again.
So sorry for your loss! She was a great lady
Jessica–
Your mother leaves a legacy that speaks well for her. I always enjoyed her presence at Parent/Teacher conferences at LHS.
Take care.
John and Jessica, I feel privileged to have known Susan. I recall first meeting your family in junior high school. I remember her taking us to the laundromat for my first tie dye experience, and her chili, and how Jessica made her recipe for some of us lucky girls. She was a positive influence on me. I agree that her legacy lives on in you. My love, Courtney
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I have wonderful memories of Susan from many years ago. She was an exceptional person.