Aaron Daniel Wachtel
Aaron Daniel Wachtel, age 52, of Sherman, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Chicago, IL with his sister, Carol, by his side. He was born on September 25, 1973, in Quincy, IL, the son of John and Marsue (Markey) Wachtel.
Aaron was raised in the Catholic faith. He dedicated his career to his passion for motors, serving as the parts manager for World of Powersports (formerly RTD) in Springfield, IL for over 29 years. Aaron’s love of anything with wheels or a motor began at the age of 12 when he started riding dirt bikes. This grew into a lifelong passion for rebuilding motorcycles and cars, as well as practicing autobody/paint work as a hobby. Aaron found peace in nature, frequently fishing, mountain biking, and hiking alongside his son, Gavin. Above all else, being a father and spending time with his children brought him his deepest joy.
He is survived by his beloved children: Ashley Wachtel (Junior), Gavin Wachtel, and Gavin’s half-brother, Braidyn Gardiner, whom Aaron always viewed as a son. He is also survived by his father, John Wachtel, and his siblings, Carol Wachtel and Michael Wachtel (Meghan).
Aaron was preceded in death by his mother, Marsue; his paternal uncle, Daniel; and his maternal aunt, Carolyn Baumann.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17th, 2026 at 9:30 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16th, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life and Benefit is scheduled for Saturday July 18th at the Maid Rite on Jefferson in Springfield, IL from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Memorials are gratefully accepted to assist the family with funeral expenses and to provide future support for Aaron’s children during this transition.
The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Aaron was born on my husband’s birthday and we visited the family several times when John and Marsue lived in Quincy in those early years just as we did. Aaron’s love of motors was shared because my husband Mark was a mechanic. Loved visiting John and Marsue in Springfield when we came to visit my niece Ann who also lived there after we moved to Louisville later in life. So many memories and hoping the family cherishes their memories as much as I cherish mine. Saying prayers for all the family.
John, I’m so sorry about your son. From one parent to another it is so hard losing a son. It sounds like Aaron loved life & enjoyed not only his job but the great outdoors. Knowing the kind of great parents you were, Aaron was an awesome man. Sending love & sympathy.
Aaron worked side by side with my husband Matt at World of Powersports, & shared a friendship that he brought home to our family. We were able to share several holiday meals with Aaron, & time on our farm. Not nearly enough time! He was an awesome friend to Matt, & I’m grateful that we were able to get to know him. I know Matt is having a hard time at work without Aaron being there, he called him “The Brain” because everything, & I mean EVERYTHING that needed to be looked up by everyone else, Aaron just knew off the top of his head, & could rattle off. They shared lunch, dad jokes, bad jokes, & well, life, a whole lot of it. They had a lot in common, & enjoyed each other’s company. Aaron selflessly gave Matt, & our son Jonah tickets to the dirt bike races in St Louis this past spring so that they could spend some quality time together. He had already been, & wanted to share the experience with his friend, & I know Matt & Jonah had an AMAZING TIME, they still talk about it. Aaron talked about his kids ALOT, & was beyond proud to be their dad, he was also super proud of them, & every single thing they did. One of the last things we talked about was how much he would miss mountain biking with Gav, & that all he wanted to be able to do was to walk his Ashley down the isle when the time came. I think Aaron was just one of those people who once you get to know them, they become your people, your chosen family, I’m glad he was our chosen family. We’ve been praying for, & will continue to pray for the broken hearts of all who knew him, loved him, & who’ll miss his presence everyday.
Very sorry to hear of Aaron’s passing and condolences to his family. I was a sales rep for Illinois Auto & RV Publications and met Aaron while calling on RTD and World of Powersports for advertising. I would always leave him a copy of the magazine and we would always have a little chat for many, many years. I learned a little bit about Aaron and he learned a little bit about me and I valued our friendship over the years. May Aaron rest in eternal peace.