Obituary: Reugh, Kenneth Wendell
Age 86
He enjoyed an active and fulfilling life.
Wendell will be remembered by those who knew him as a caring, fearless, and entrepreneurial man.
His loved ones will be the first to tell you that he made things happen and never settled for less than what he believed in.
That spirit will live on in them.
Wendell lived the American Dream.
Born in Rochester, NY to parents Harold and Helen Reugh, Wendell and his family moved west to settle in Spokane, where he attended Wilson Elementary School and Lewis and Clark High School.
He continued his education at Washington State University, served in the United States Navy, and then began his business career with the Burroughs Corporation selling office equipment.
He excelled at sales and rose quickly to become the top performer in his region.
In 1951, he married Mary Ann Reugh.
They spent 45 happy years together until her untimely passing in 1996.
Wendell’s passion for building a better life for his family led him into the construction industry, where he started building small rental units and homes.
After incorporating Reugh Construction, he began to amass a sizable portfolio of residential and commercial properties and real estate partnerships.
Wendell served as president of the Spokane Home Builders, and throughout his career became known as one of the leading developers and contractors in the greater Spokane area.
He was a true workaholic and fully immersed himself in his business, developing lifelong friendships with real estate professionals and construction tradesmen alike.
He loved his work just as he loved his life.
It was because of his dedication to his work and these relationships that he enjoyed great success building and managing properties all over Spokane - both individually and together with partners.
For all the success he achieved in his life, Wendell was a very humble and giving man.
He was incredibly generous and supported a large number of community organizations.
He endowed a scholarship for student athletes at WSU for several years, and was a longtime member of the Cougar Club.
Wendell was an avid supporter of Shriners Hospital for Children, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Inland Northwest, the Boys Club at Morning Star, and RiteCare of Washington, among many others.
As a member of Central United Methodist Church for over 60 years, he contributed to both the church and the Shalom Ministries’ Dining with Dignity program.
Wendell was a member of the Manito Masonic Temple, the Spokane Jesters, and the Palm Desert Jesters.
He belonged to the El Katif Shriners and the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as Manito Golf and Country Club, Spokane Club, and The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage, CA.
He embraced each day of his life with open arms and a healthy sense of humor.
Some of his greatest joys were playing the stock market, collecting coins, golfing, and enjoying a glass of VO at cocktail time.
He traveled the world extensively, but always loved to return home to spend time with his friends and family.
Wendell took great pride in his family and proudly celebrated each of their successes.
He is survived by his two sons, Jim Reugh (wife Terri) and Mark Reugh (wife Cynthia), and his daughter JoLynn Kovalsky (husband Bruce).
Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Bob Dahlin of Buena Park, CA; his brother-in-law, Ralph Ebersole of Kelso, MO; his four nieces and nephews; his nine grandchildren; and his five great-grandchildren.
Wendell is also survived by his companion of many years, Dorene Decker of Spokane.
Friends and family will celebrate Wendell’s life with a viewing at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division Spokane, WA 99207 on the evening of Thursday, April 2nd from 3pm to 8pm and a memorial service at Central United Methodist Church, 518 W. 3rd Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204 on Friday, April 3rd at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Wendell Reugh’s name to Shriners Hospital for Children, Second Harvest Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.
Please visit Wendell’s online memorial at hennesseyfuneralhomes.com to share your condolences with the family.