Betty J. Wachal

Betty Jane Wachal, 89, of Schuyler passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Brookestone of David City. 

Memorials can be made in care of the family for future designation. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Schuyler. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 until 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary all at the church. Visitation will resume at the church on Friday from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Schuyler Cemetery with lunch following at the St. Mary's Social Center. Svoboda Moravec Johnson Mortuary is handling arrangements for Betty's Family. 

Betty Jane Wachal was born at home on July 6, 1936 to William and Helen (Aerts) Riha on a farm in Butler County south of David City. She attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from David City High School in May of 1953. She met Edward Wachal at a dance in March of 1953 and they were married December 29, 1953 at St. Mary's Church in David City with the reception at the David City Auditorium. Together they raised four boys on a farm southeast of Richland. 

Betty was a member of Divine Mercy Parish in Schuyler. She taught catechism, served as president of the St. Mary's Guild and helped to organize and run the first church Bazaar. She also belonged to a neighborhood card club as well at the "Betty's Club". Ed, Betty and their boys were all members of Night Riders Horse Club, and for several winters Betty and Ed bowled together and coined their team as the "Born Losers".  

She leaves behind her children: Robert (Ann) Wachal and Jeff (Peg) Wachal of Schuyler, Mike (Carla) Wachal of Lincoln and Mark (Jane) Wachal of Pleasant Dale; 15 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren; brothers William (Mary Jane) Riha of Seward, Ron Riha of Emmetsburg, IA and sister-in-law Joan Wachal of Schuyler. 

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Edward in 1992, her parents, sister Bonnie Riha, infant sister Connie, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard (Colleen) Wachal, and brother-in-law Dennis Wachal.