David Earl Bachtel

South Bend - David Earl Bachtel passed away at his home on February 25, 2022 at the age of 73. He was born to the late Earl Charles and Alice (Drouhard) Bachtel on August 9, 1948 in Massillon, Ohio.David married Donna Halbert on June 13, 1970, she survives. Also surviving are David and Donna's children, Christopher David (Dawn) Bachtel, Michelle (Robb) Reel and Jennifer (Kevin) Whitton; grandchildren: Thomas (Briana) Bachtel, Zachary and Carter Whitton, Claire Pointon and Erick Tidey; great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Hunter Bachtel; brother, Larry Bachtel; and sister, Marie Sergio.David’s life was all about family, music and his final passion to help others.His great family joy was in coaching his girls softball teams and his boys soccer teams. He & Donna even took dance lessons so they could dance at their daughter’s wedding! David’s love of music started when he was only 5, and sang in the boys choir at his church in Massillon Ohio. He went on to sing in high school and then… the great joy of his life… he sang with the Notre Dame Glee club where he made many lifelong friends. He continued to sing in several church choirs as his career required moving around. David’s last career move found him working for his church in Plainfield, Il as the leader of the employment ministry during the great recession of 2008-2009. He not only worked with his parish family in this effort but he also worked with a veterans group out of Joliet.During these years his Alzheimer’s progressed and finally he had to retire at which time he & Donna moved back to South Bend so he could once again be near to his beloved “home”-Notre Dame where he will be interned at a later date. To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html