Franklin Kenneth “Ken” Wachholtz, 78, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away June 29, 2018, in his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 25, 1940, in Neligh, to Edwin and Bernadine (Gilster) Wachholtz. Ken graduated from North Platte High School in 1959 and was a football and basketball letterman.

He was employed by Union Pacific Railroad and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Wilnes, in 1960. They soon moved to California, where Ken learned the electrical trade.

In 1977, he started his own electrical contracting business, Star Electrical Contractors. During that time, Ken mentored many young men who later became electricians.

Ken and Judy proudly celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on June 5, 2018.

Ken’s favorite activities were spending time with his family, boating, hunting, fishing, golfing, cards and of course, following USC and Nebraska football along with the Green Bay Packers, the Lakers, the Angels and Norco High. He also participated in Ducks Unlimited.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harlan.

Ken is survived by his wife, Judy; two daughters, Kena Jo Wachholtz and Sherry Rolsma, both of Bentonville; one son, Kyle (Nicole) Wachholtz of California; two sisters, LaJean (Val) Long of Iowa and Linda (Steven) Campbell of California; one brother, Larry (Vicki) Wachholtz of South Carolina; five grandchildren, Haley and Brady Rolsma, Braxton, Leighton and Kylee Wachholtz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, nwacircleoflife.com/donatesupport or Hope Lutheran Church, Palm Desert, California, hopepd.org/give. Online condolences may be shared at [email protected] by placing Ken’s name in the subject line.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Hope Lutheran Church, 45900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, California. Epting Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.