ELLINWOOD — William (Bill) Norman Achatz passed away in Newton, Kan. on Feb. 2nd, 2026. Bill was born on Feb. 4th, 1929 at home in rural Barton County – approximately one and a half miles west of St. Peter and Paul Church north of Ellinwood. Bill was the son of Henry and Rose (Koch) Achatz. In his youth, Bill went to church and attended school at St. Peter and Paul Church. He graduated from Ellinwood High School in May 1947.

Bill married Charlene Kasselman in Ellinwood on Jan. 15, 1955. 

Bill served in the Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was also a member of the Ellinwood American Legion.

Survivors include Charlene (Kasselman) Achatz, Ellinwood, Kan.; daughters Nancy Achatz, Ellinwood, Kan., and Nanette (Paul) McLean, Island Park, Idaho; son David (Judy) Achatz, Arvada, Colo.; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by brothers Elmer, Milton, Bobby, Richard and Tom; and sisters, Ada, Dorothy, Delores.

Bill was an Electricians Mate in the Navy and after his honorable discharge, Bill started his professional career and resided with his family in Odessa, Texas. During his career, Bill was an electrical superintendent/manager for various heavy industrial construction projects for Fluor. Bill loved successfully working on major projects around the world, including in Iran, Alaska (Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and also the Frost Upheave pipe testing as part of the proposed Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline), South Africa, Philippines, and other projects in the United Stats. Notably, Bill was part of the team that built the first solar energy farm in the United States.

He retired in 1996 and moved back to Ellinwood, Kan. where he lived with Charlene until his passing.

The family will hold a private gravesite memorial service at a later date. Memorials are suggested to a charitable organization of your choice. 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 7, 2026