A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Jeffrey Wachal, age 69, of Jackson, will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Jackson.

A visitation for Jeff will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Jackson for one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed on Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Jeffrey Alan Wachal was born on July 16, 1957, in Lakefield, Minnesota, to Robert and Juanita (Foster) Wachal. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Jackson. Jeff received his education through Jackson Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1976. He continued his education at Minnesota West Technical and Community College.

Jeff grew up in Jackson and, throughout his life, made several places home. He lived in Florida for nine years before moving to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Winsted, and Litchfield, eventually returning to Jackson, where he settled and remained close to the community he loved.

While working at Jennie-O in Willmar, Jeff met the love of his life and best friend, Heather Kramer. The two were united in marriage on April 21, 1996, in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Holly, Josh, and Courtney.

Jeff worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, including serving in the United States Air Force, working on a farm in Wisconsin, working at Jennie-O in Willmar, and working for Ron Sinn and alongside Travis Carter in farming. Of all his occupations, farming was his true passion. He loved the land, the work, and everything that came with it. He also was the manager at Ace Hardware in Jackson until his retirement in 2025.

Jeff often said, “It takes a friend to be a friend.” Those words were a reflection of how he lived his life. He was honest, loyal, and dependable, and he was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Jeff had a special ability to see the good in people and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Outside of farming, Jeff enjoyed gardening, camping, and traveling to visit family. He was also a devoted fan of Walker, Texas Ranger. He was a member of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Car Club.

Jeff’s greatest joy was his family and the relationships he built throughout his life. He treasured time spent with those he loved and was especially proud of his children. His loyal friendships and genuine care for others made him someone people could count on.

Jeff passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his home in Jackson surrounded by his family.

Left to cherish Jeff’s memory are his wife, Heather Wachal of Jackson; his children, Holly Wachal of Jackson, Josh Wachal of Jackson, and Courtney (Dillon Moeller) of Litchfield; grandchildren, Orion Jay Wachal, Aaliyah Victoria Wachal; his brother, Mark (Sandee) Wachal of Camano Island, Washington; his sisters, Nancy (Cal) Vander Kooi of Mesa, Arizona, and Diane Schile of Pace, Florida; his sister-in-law, Michelle Kittleson of Fargo, North Dakota; his brothers-in-law, James Kramer of Litchfield and Steven Kramer (Melissa Champion) of Shakopee; his best friends, Kim Benes, Wayne Pearson, Keith Latimer, Donnie Schile and Rick Thompson; his beloved “fur babies,” Queenie, Shasta, Loud Mouth, and Dipstick; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Juanita Wachal; an infant child; and his parents-in-law, James and Susan Kittleson of Wilmar and Lou Kramer of Hector.

Jeff will be remembered for his love of farming, his loyalty to family and friends, his honest and generous nature, and his ability to find the good in everyone. His words, “It takes a friend to be a friend,” perfectly captured the kind of man he was. He gave friendship freely, loved his family deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and cherished memories.