Arthur Edwin Korenblat

ARTHUR EDWIN KORENBLAT, 76, son of Albert I. Korenblat and Eva Lane Korenblat, died on Friday, Oct. 21, at his home in Little Rock. Art was born in Little Rock, attended Castle Heights Military Academy and Vanderbilt University. At the age of 20, upon the death of his father, he returned to Arkansas to serve as president of IK Electric, the company founded by his father in 1919, and currently run by his son, Scott Korenblat. Art grew the company from a local contractor to a provider of electrical contracting services for large shopping centers around the country, such as the Mall of America in Minneapolis, and landmark manufacturing facilities throughout Arkansas. One of his most rewarding projects was the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library and Park. Art had many interests including aviation, cooking, tennis, skiing, travel, and photography. And while he worked for IK Electric for over 50 years, he was truly an entrepreneur and enjoyed starting a number of diverse businesses. As a pilot, he often flew with his family and friends, from short tips over to the original Doe's Eat Place in Mississippi to more adventurous travels through the mountains of Colorado. His interest in food and cooking was known to all, and a friend once remarked that running into Art at a new Little Rock restaurant was the best endorsement the place could get! He worked with others to bring Andre Simon to our community, as Art believed having authentic French pastries here in Arkansas would be wonderful for every one. He was a charter member of the Little Rock Racket Club. Art traveled often to Aspen, Colo., long before that little mountain town became famous. He loved the Rocky Mountains, skiing in winter, and exploring the remote backcountry in summer. In his later life he and his wife Bettye traveled to over 50 countries, sharing all of their experiences through wonderful photographs. Art's business interests ranged from Mid South Aviation, a flight charter company to American Engineering, providing electrical and mechanical engineering services. He served on many boards including the National Electrical Contractors Association, St. Joseph's Home, First Commercial Bank, Pulaski Technical College, and Temple B'nai Israel. The family wishes to offer heartfelt thanks to Art's long time co-worker Marietta Tipton, Dr. Kevin Hefner, Art's beloved physician, and to Dr. David Hall, Molly Wilt, and Roger Johnson, of Arkansas Hospice. Art is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bettye Gentry Korenblat; his daughter, Ashley Korenblat Sevenoff and husband Mark Sevenoff, of Moab, Utah; and his son Scott Korenblat and wife Janet Korenblat, in addition to three grand sons: Tyler and Adam Korenblat and Kip Sevenoff. He is also survived by his brother, Gilbert Korenblat and wife Pam Korenblat. He is pre-deceased by his sister Rita Korenblat Raff and husband Morris Raff, of Memphis, Tenn. After a private burial, a memorial service will be held at Temple B'nai Israel at 2 p.m., on Monday Oct. 24. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Pulaski Technical College Foundation (Art Korenblat Scholarship Fund), 3000 West Scenic Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72118. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.