We’ve lost a legend in our community. Paul Wachholz (pictured) has died. Word began filtering out last week. Paul was 89.
We see his name on buildings, like the Wachholz College Center and the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC. He also funded the new gym at Stillwater Christian School. But the man is, perhaps, greater than the buildings and legend we all know.
Few people know that Paul Wachholz was a body builder–once crowned Mr Colorado. He held the record for the dead lift at one point. And who can forget the 35-handball championships he won, including the World Handball Champion in Ireland in 1986.
But most will remember Paul Wachholz as one of us. He was always approachable. For me, he was the epitome of the way we treat each other in NW Montana. I remember seeing him regularly at the Post Office picking up mail from his Post Office Box. He always had a moment to talk with me and ask how KGEZ was doing. And then, he’d get into an older truck and drive away.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be Sunay, September 13th at the Wachholz College Center and we’re all invited.
