Michael R. "Dr. B" Bachler U.S. (Ret) Navy

Athens, GA - Michael R. Bachler "Dr. B", 76, entered his Heavenly abode on Thursday, December 11, 2014.
Born September 20, 1938, Dr. Bachler was raised on a farm near Prairie Farm, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Bachler and Gladys (Stevens), and his older brother Daniel Bachler.
In 1956, he graduated from Prairie Farm High School (WI). In 1960, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stout, Menomonie, WI, with a B.S. in Industrial Education, and in 1961 a M.S. degree in Mathematics and English/Speech. He earned his Doctor of Education Degree in 1976 from the University of Minnesota. Upon completion of the Naval Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island, he was commissioned in November 1961 and was sent to the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA, where he graduated in May 1962. While Stationed in Athens, he met his future wife Mary Charlotte Bennett and they were married August 10, 1963. While active duty in the Navy, he served aboard the USS Los Angeles (CA 135), the USS Mars (AFS-1) and at USNAAS Chase Field, Beeville, TX, where their first son David was born. Mike ended his active Naval duty in August 1965, and he continued with Naval Ready Reserve until retirement as Commander in January 1989.
His professional career in the Industrial Arts Technology field ranged from a Rockford, IL, high school; Middle Tennessee State University at Murfreesboro, TN; Berry college at Rome, GA; Associate Director of the Vocational Education Materials Center of UGA, Athens, GA; the school systems of Commerce, GA and Winder, GA. As a teacher, he was known as "Dr. B.".
While the father of two young sons in TN, he served as leader of the Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts. He held numerous leadership offices of professional organizations. In Athens, GA, he was active with Trout Unlimited, Athens Area Military Officers Assoc. of America, Clarke County Veterans Council, and the American Legion Post 185. His main hobbies were fishing and hunting.
By 1971, he stepped into deeper waters with his spiritual faith in the Lord Jesus and served in leadership positions with FGBMFI while living in TN and Rome, GA. His current church membership was with The Church at Southside (Baptist), Athens, GA.
He is survived by his wife Mary Charlotte (Bennett); sons, Lt Col David Bachler of Colorado Springs, CO, and Lt Col Donald Bachler (Donna) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Susan Bittner (John) of Bethlehem, GA; granddaughters, Sharayah and Rachael Bachler of CO, and Sarah and Mary Bittner of GA; sister, Rachel Moore (Jack) of AZ; brother-in-law Dr. Paul Bennett (Thuan) of TX; several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Gift acknowledgement may be in the form of a contribution to The Church at Southside, 100 Crooked Creek Road, Athens, GA 30607, or the Athens Humane Society.
The family will receive friends at the Lord and Stephens West Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2014, followed by a service at 4 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Jeff Williams officiating.
Lord and Stephens, WEST is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com