Ronald E. Wenzel, 74, beloved husband, father and friend to many, passed away on August 28, 2013. He was born in Yakima, WA on November 21, 1938 to Eric and Ervella Wenzel.
Ron graduated from Moxee High School in 1957 and was student body president. Ron joined the US Army in 1959, serving on active duty for six months and five½ years on inactive reserve. During that time he also worked for Don Young Door Company and Harbor Plywood Products, Inc., learning the retail wood products and lumber business. In 1959 Ron moved to Seattle, still working for Harbor Plywood.
In 1961 Ron moved to California and began working for Evans Products Company, Inc. in Oakland and Los Angeles. In 1962, still with Evans Products, he moved to Seattle where he was responsible for direct sales for Washington and Oregon. Ron began working for Herr Lumber Company, Inc. and from 1966 -1970 was sales manager for outside sales and purchasing of all building materials.
Ron began working for Campbell Soup Company in 1971. He earned his real estate license and was Director of Real Estate for Herfy's, Clark's and Pietro's and eventually Director of Marketing, Real Estate and Development for the West Coast Division of Campbell Soup Company. In 1976 Ron became Director of Operations for Herfy's Corporation.
In 1977 he and his long time friend, Myron Berg, established Lobo Restaurant Management Corporation (Lobo RMC) and began managing Dag's Restaurants for brothers Ed and Boe Messet. Later, Lobo RMC built four Dag's: Aurora Village, Everett, Waterfront and White Center. In 1991 Lobo RLM was sold. Ron worked in commercial real estate for another 4 years, until his retirement in 1995.
Ron met his beautiful wife Lorenna (Lory – "my little bride") in 1965 and they were married in 1967. Their son Ryan was born in 1976. The family lived in West Seattle and Walnut Creek, CA before moving to Lake Forest Park, WA in 1973. Their current homes are on Tyee Beach, Camano Island, WA and in Sun City West, Arizona.
Ron was a generous, dynamic man who loved his family and friends, golfing, boating, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed life to the fullest and made new friends where ever he went. They all enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and relished listening to his many life stories.
In Washington Ron was a member of the American Legion, Elks, Knights of Columbus and Camaloch Golf Club. In Arizona he was a member of the Deer Valley Golf Club and Sun City West Men's Poker Club.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Gary.
Graveside services will be held at Tahoma Cemetery, Yakima, WA at 11:30am on September 14, 2013. There will be a celebration of Ron's life at the Yakima American Legion at 3:00pm on September 15, 2013.
Remembrances can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or a charity of your choice.