Paul D. Wachholz, 89

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

The Flathead Valley has lost one of its great visionaries, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and men of faith. More importantly, his family has lost a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend whose wisdom, generosity, strength, and unwavering love shaped countless lives.

Paul D. Wachholz, 89, passed away peacefully on July 28, in Spokane, Wash., and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born January 9, 1937, in Appleton, Minn., Paul was the son of Arthur R. Wachholz and Minnie O. Benson.

Throughout his 89 years, Paul built a remarkable legacy—but the measure of his life was never simply what he accomplished. It was the faith that guided him, the people he loved, the opportunities he created for others, and the example he left for generations to come.

A Legacy of Faith

Above all else, Paul was a man of deep and steadfast faith.

Throughout every season of his life, his faith in Jesus Christ remained unwavering. Whether experiencing seasons of abundance or adversity, Paul trusted God's faithfulness and sought to honor Him in the way he lived, worked, gave, and loved.

His faith was not simply something he professed; it was the foundation upon which he built his life. His family saw it in his character, his generosity, his perseverance, and the way he faced life's challenges.

Paul's family takes great comfort in knowing that the race he ran so faithfully on earth is complete. He is now free from pain and fully restored in the presence of the Savior he loved and served.

His family will forever cherish the lessons he taught—not simply through words, but through the life he lived. He showed them that hard work matters, integrity matters, generosity matters, and above all, faith in Jesus Christ matters.

A Legacy of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Determination

From the time he was a young boy, Paul possessed a rare entrepreneurial spirit, an unwavering work ethic, and a determination that would define his entire life.

Long before he became known as a successful businessman, those who knew him in the small town of Wilson, Kan., could already see that he was destined for something extraordinary.

At just nine years old, Paul began delivering the Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Times. Because he was younger than the minimum age required, he boldly declared himself older so he could earn the opportunity. Through hard work and by developing strong relationships with his customers, he doubled the newspaper route's circulation.

Those early years revealed far more than a talent for business. They reflected a young man who believed that hard work, creative thinking, and perseverance could overcome almost any obstacle. That belief became the cornerstone of the remarkable life he would go on to build.

Paul graduated from Sterling High School in Colorado in 1955. He attended Northeastern Junior College and later transferred to the University of Northern Colorado, where he graduated in 1959 with a degree in Business.

A Legacy of Business and Achievement

In 1967, Paul moved to the Flathead Valley, where he would leave an indelible mark on the community he came to love.

Through hard work, vision, and an extraordinary ability to recognize opportunity, he built the largest real estate franchise, Coldwell Banker Wachholz & Company in the state of Montana for decades. He also built the largest beer and wine distributorship in Northwest Montana, Fun Beverage Inc.

Paul's success was driven not only by his business acumen, but by his willingness to work harder, think differently, and invest in people. He understood that lasting success was built through relationships, trust, and a commitment to doing things well.

His entrepreneurial spirit never left him. Even when spending time with his children, he was always teaching them to recognize opportunity and think creatively.

A Legacy of Excellence and Discipline

Paul's determination extended far beyond business.

He was an extraordinary athlete who competed with the same discipline and drive that characterized every other area of his life. He won 35 Montana State Handball Championships and, in 1986, became a World Handball Champion in Ireland.

He was once crowned Mr. Colorado and even held a world record in the deadlift.

These accomplishments reflected something deeper about Paul: he believed in setting ambitious goals, doing the work required to achieve them, and refusing to give up when the road became difficult.

A Legacy of Family

In 1960, Paul married Sherroll Ring, and together they had two children, Kyam and Lance. Later, he lovingly welcomed Lee into his family as a son. After moving to Montana, Paul was married to Christine Shanks in 1972 for two years. 

His children enjoyed summer visits with him in Kalispell, exploring Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake and making memories that would last a lifetime.

They especially remember weekend drives exploring real estate opportunities with their dad. With educational tapes playing in the car, Paul turned those drives into lessons about business, investing, leadership, and life.

Those outings were never simply about looking at property. They were opportunities for Paul to teach his children how to recognize possibilities, think creatively, work hard, and never stop learning.

Paul had a remarkable ability to teach without preaching. Many of his greatest lessons came through his example.

He was a mentor to many, but to his children and grandchildren, he was simply Dad and Papa—a source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love.

His family will forever remember his voice, his advice, his determination, his humor, and the way he made them believe they could accomplish more than they thought possible.

A Legacy of Generosity and Service

In the later years of Paul's life, his extraordinary generosity became one of the most visible expressions of his faith and his desire to serve others.

Paul believed that blessings were meant to be shared. He invested in people, in education, and in opportunities that would continue to benefit others long after he was gone.

His significant philanthropic gifts helped make possible the Paul D. Wachholz College Center, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, and the new gymnasium and classrooms at Stillwater Christian School.

These gifts were about far more than buildings. They represented Paul's belief in the power of education, the importance of investing in young people, and the responsibility to create opportunities for future generations.

It is especially fitting that family and friends will gather to celebrate Paul's life at the Paul D. Wachholz College Center—a place that stands as one of the many lasting expressions of his vision, generosity, and commitment to future generations.

Though the building bears his name, those who knew him best understand that his greatest legacy lives on in the people he loved, the lives he changed, and the faith he lived every day.

A Legacy That Lives On

Paul's greatest accomplishments cannot be measured by business records, athletic championships, buildings, or financial success.

His greatest legacy is found in the people who carry his lessons forward.

He taught his family that life is an opportunity to work hard, dream boldly, remain faithful, serve others, and make a difference. He showed them that success has its greatest meaning when it is used to bless others.

Paul will be deeply missed, never replaced, and never forgotten.

His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now home with his Lord, free from pain and at peace. They know they will continue to hear his voice and remember his advice whenever they face a difficult decision. His wisdom, strength, faith, and example will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul finished his race faithfully.

And now, he is home.

Survived By

Paul is survived by his sister, Priscilla Roby; his brother, John Wachholz (BetteSue); his children, Kyam Harlan, Lance Wachholz (Jayne), and Lee Castleberry (Staci); his seven grandchildren, Chance (Lily), Shay Re (Andrew), Cheyenne (Chandler), Zachary, Cade, Layke, and Jaidyn; his six great-grandchildren, Blakely, Milo, Reed, Cohen, Camden and Presley, along with beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur R. Wachholz and Minnie O. (Benson) Wachholz, and his siblings Ruth Sanderson and Luther Wachholz.

Celebration of Life

A private family funeral will be held.

A Celebration of Life honoring Paul's remarkable life will be held on Sunday, September 13, at the Paul D. Wachholz College Center in Kalispell, Montana.

Family and friends are invited to gather to remember, honor, and celebrate a life that touched so many.

In lieu of simply remembering Paul for what he accomplished, those who loved him are encouraged to carry forward the values he lived by: faith, hard work, generosity, perseverance, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.

Until we meet again, thank you for showing us what a life of faith, courage, hard work, generosity, and love can look like. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.