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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Mengert, Richard Otto

Age 88


MENGERT,
Richard Otto
(88 Years)

Richard Otto Mengert was born October 24, 1925 in Spokane, Washington to Otto and Tillie Mengert.

His passing came March 11, 2014 at the family home on Five Mile surrounded by loved ones.

After several years of declining health he is now enjoying his eternal reward.

Richard (“Dick”) and brother, Alfred, were raised near Downriver Golf Course and attended St. Anthony Catholic Grade School where he also learned to be an altar boy.

His high school education at Gonzaga Prep was interrupted to enter the U.S. Navy in service to his country.

On his return to Spokane he joined into business at the Crescent Machine Works with his father, Otto Mengert and his partner, Fritz McGarry.

He became a skilled and well known machinist who would take on any project that came his way.

He later became the owner of the business and managed other properties along Monroe Street.

He was honored by receiving a 50 Year Veteran Award from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in 2001 prior to retirement.

Dick married the love of his life, Nancy Aughney in August 1953 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Spokane.

They were blessed with seven children whom he loved, educated, and cherished.

They also were very charitable people, especially in helping with the transition of the Vietnamese refugees to Spokane.

They are charter members of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish and not only supported, but participated relentlessly, in parish activities.

Very important in their lives was the “Prayer Chain” which remembers wishes and concerns of living and deceased.

Dick’s devotion to his Catholic faith and his family were always the focus of this life.

He enjoyed golf, horse racing, music, projects at his home, and trips to the summer home at Newman Lake.

Dad enjoyed simple things like a Sunday drive, painting bird houses, and in later years sending cards or making phone calls to his friends, many of whom were nuns and priests.

He cherished those relationships until his passing.

Richard was a charter member of the Serra Club, member of the Knights of Columbus, the Machinists Union, and the Spokane Country Club.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy, of 60 years; and his seven children: Mary (James) Sullivan, Dr. James Mengert, Daniel Mengert, Theresa (Dr. John) Byrne, Matthew Mengert, Mark (Christy) Mengert, Michael Mengert.

He also leaves his ten precious grandchildren: Michael Sean Sullivan; Christopher, Matthew, J.J. and Andrew Byrne; Luke, triplets-Abigail, Michelle, Gregory, and Emily Mengert.

He is also survived by his brother, Alfred Mengert, PGA (Donna, deceased) in Carefree, AZ; sisters-in-law, Nancy Aughney and Carole Aughney; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Tillie (1958) and Otto (1992); twin granddaughters Katherine and Kelsey Sullivan; and brothers-in-law, Dr. Dan Aughney and John Aughney.

Services for Richard are as follows: Rosary (Vigil) on Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 West Riverside Avenue, Rev.

Darrin Connall officiating.

Funeral Mass, Friday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, West 505 St. Thomas More Way, Rt.

Rev.

Abbot Adrian Parcher, O.S.B.

officiating.

A reception will immediately follow the funeral service in the Parish Center, Private entombment will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.

In honor of our Dad, memorial contributions are suggested to the Poor Clare Sisters, 4419 North Hawthorne Street, Spokane, WA 99205.

The family wishes to give their “special thanks” to the following: Dr. Rana Ahmad, Dr. Joseph Michels, Dr. Greg Jones, Dr. Felix Castro, Dr. Douglas Wysham, and Patrick Davidson, P.A.C.

Also, not to be forgotten and commended are his devoted caregivers: Vicki Woodson, Patty Plumb, Sandra White, and the Pastoral staff and Eucharistic ministers of St. Thomas More Parish.