Saying Goodbye:

WHEATLAND – On Friday, the family and friends of Mark “Pork” Hohnholt gathered at the Wheatland High School gym to pay their last respects to a man who contributed greatly to the Wheatland community throughout his lifetime.  It was fitting that the service was held in the high school gym where he spent years cheering students on and supporting their efforts both on and off court.
“As I look around, one thing is very apparent to me: Pork Hohnholt did not just know a lot of people.  He actually touched your lives, in one way or another,” said Devin Davis, who officiated the ceremony.
“The legacy that Pork leaves behind will go to his children, his grandchildren, his community, and this state, for years to come.”
Hohnholt passed away on March 23.  A lifelong Wheatland resident and local business owner of Fat Boys Tire and Auto, he was a prominent member of the community.  From serving as a Little League coach and on the Platte County School District #1 Board of Trustees, to announcing high school sports games on the local radio station, Hohnholt was well known and loved throughout the state and beyond.
Speakers at the memorial service reiterated throughout their tributes how much he would be missed.

“Pork’s dedication to the Platte County community is truly irreplaceable,” said Malcolm Ervin, who gave the eulogy at the service.
Ervin recalled how Hohnholt had over the years dedicated time and efforts to programs for local youth, including athletic programs such as the local youth baseball and softball programs, where he volunteered both as coach and organizer for events.
He said that to honor Hohnholt’s dedication to the community, a request to rename the local Little League baseball complex after him has been submitted to the Town of Wheatland.
“Pork provided the town’s youth with so many opportunities,” Ervin said.  “He coached them, took them to sporting events, and showed us the proper way to treat on another.”
KYCN-KZEW radio broadcaster Kent Smith, who for 25 years announced Platte County High School games on the radio with Hohnholt.  Smith recalled how his friend was able to add humor, excitement, and an unforgettable sprit to the game coverage for Platte County teams.  Smith said Hohnholt’s genuine support and enthusiasm for the students that made him the sports announcer he was, Smith said.
“No matter how the game went, he would never have anything bad to say about the kids,” he said.  “He was so positive.”
Ervin said that it was this investment in the students and individuals, and the example he set for them that will also be Hohnholt’s lasting legacy in Wheatland and beyond.
“Pork was notorious for being the change he wanted to see in our town,” Ervin said.  “He instilled in a group of young men and women that if you were going to complain about the situation, you had better propose a solution and be willing to put forth the effort to make a change.”