Jonathan Wachtel

Jonathan Ryan Wachtel, 41, of Columbia, MO, passed away on December 28, 2025, at his home. He was born on March 12, 1984, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Joseph and Suzanne Wachtel. He attended St. Thomas More Grade School, graduated from Rockhurst High School in 2003, and graduated from Saint Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art in 2007. In High School, he played lacrosse, ran cross country, and was president of the Rockhurst Ecology Club. In college, he developed a gift for making wonderful pieces of pottery and was a member of the Alpha Delta Gamma Fraternity.

After college, Jonnie moved to Columbia, MO, where he spent time working for Boone County Bank and State Farm Insurance before starting his nearly 14-year career with Veteran's United Home Loans as a Closing Team Manager and Client Advocate. Among his co-workers, he was well known for his kindness, helpfulness, and sincerity. Most of all, he was known for his tremendous love of his wife Lesley and his four children, Madison, Jameson, Colson, and Isla. When he wasn't doting on his loving family, he would spend his time hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking delicious food, which he was always happy to share with his friends, family, and co-workers. He had an infectious smile and always ensured that the people around him felt taken care of and welcome.

He is survived by his wife of seven years, Lesley Snodgrass Wachtel; children Madison Wachtel, Jameson Wachtel, Colson Wachtel, and Isla Wachtel, all of Columbia; parents Joe and Sue Wachtel of Kansas City; three brothers and two sisters-in-law Patrick (Krista) Wachtel, Andrew Wachtel, and Michael (Melissa) Wachtel; in-laws Rustin and Pat Snodgrass and brother-in-law Nathan (Katie) Snodgrass; many nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family, friends, and others are invited to attend the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the funeral home until the time of service. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Lesley Wachtel, to go towards her children’s education fund.