- Date Of Birth: December 15, 1925
- Date Of Death: May 22, 2005
- State: Illinois
Dr. Philip L. Wachtel, 79, of Freeport, died Sunday, May 22, 2005, at his home. Born December 15, 1925 in Columbia, Missouri he was the son of Leon and Lilah (Salling) Waughtal. He married Jean Spires June 5, 1948. He received his BS degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo and graduated from medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
He was a Pediatrician in Freeport for over 20 years. As president of the Freeport Clinic, he directed the design and building of the present Freeport Health Network Clinic building. He also helped in the design of the pediatric unit at the Freeport Memorial Hospital. Insisting that patients and staff needed to have more natural light, he convinced the architects to include 2 windows. They are the only 2 windows at the end of the north wing overlooking Stephenson Street. After leaving pediatrics he worked as an emergency room physician in Moline, Rockford, and Freeport for 15 years.
A World War II Navy veteran and Eagle Boy Scout he enjoyed fishing, house boating, and wood working. While living in Sun City, Arizona he was in a local Barber Shop Quartet.For the last 15 years Dr. especially enjoyed the annual Wachtel family reunions with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Jean of Freeport; two daughters, Pat (Steve) King of Indianapolis, Indiana and Peg (Darcy) Myers of Parker, Colorado; one son, Dr. Leon (Beth) Wachtel of Prescott, Arizona; 1 brother, David (Sue) Self of Santa Rosa, CA; 9 grandchildren, Scott, David, and Sarah King, Stephanie, Warren, and Sean Myers, Courtney, Brogan, and Bryton Wachtel. He was preceded in death by his parents.
