W. Richard Wilhelm

W. Richard Wilhelm, 88, of Benton went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. He was a retired dairy farmer, an avid gardener, and a gifted winemaker. Richard was a member of Avilla Zion Lutheran Church. He was a tender-hearted, gentle man with a dry wit who was loved dearly by his family and friends. Born in Alexander, Ark. on November 7, 1922, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Katherine "Kaff" Mary Wilhelm; his parents, Walter and Carrie Wilhelm; his sister, Verena Smith Pritchard; and his brother, Harold Wilhelm. He is survived by three daughters, Sharon Wilhelm of Little Rock, Joyce Wilhelm of Little Rock, whom he referred to as "Tweet" and "Toots," respectively, and Carolyn Weddle and her husband Jim of Benton; one grandson, Kevin Weddle of Benton; a cousin, Clifford "Round" Wilhelm of Benton; a special friend, Juanita Ford of Benton; one brother-in-law, John William Jones of Little Rock; one sister-in-law, Dora Winstead of Houston, Ark.; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. Arrangements are being made by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S Main, Benton, Ark. (501-315-4047). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Avilla Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mike Schleider officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m.,Friday, May 13, 2011 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the caring staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center, Benton, Ark.. Memorials may be made to Avilla Zion Lutheran Church, 300 Avilla East, Alexander, Ark. 72002. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.