[br][br]Wendell Max Rettkowski formerly of Wilbur, passed away on Thursday June 26, 2014 in Kennewick. He was preceeded in death by father Max, mother Lillian and sister Yolonda. He is survived by his former wife Mary Ann Pavel.
Born June 3, 1935 he lived on the family farm until his retirement in 2007 at which time he moved to Airway Heights. Wendell graduated from Wilbur High School and served in the US Army. During his service he was stationed in Germany and true to his inquisitive nature learned all he could about the people and culture.
Wendell was a man devoted to farming, family and facts. From childhood Wendell participated in all aspects of farming, taking over the management of the farm when his father passed away. He took pride in not pulverizing the land. In addition to raising wheat and barley he maintained a small herd of sheep. He believed that most farmers wasted 98% of available forage and used his sheep as a matter of good stewardship.
He was a man of integrity who was generous to those he loved. He provided for his mother until her death. Even after her mind slipped to the point of no longer knowing him, he did not fail to regularly visit her in the nursing home. His devotion to Mary Ann continued until death. Wendell regarded true friends as extended family and they him. He was a man who was brutally honest, had a flawless memory and lived to high moral standards.
In 1980 the Washington Coaches Association awarded Wendell with a special award and plaque. As "Super Fan" he was an avid follower who attended hundreds of high school sporting events every year. He traveled throughout the state to see the best teams, sometimes catching two or three games in a single day. The only tournaments he missed where during his military service. Wendell kept meticulous records with hand written notes, stats, newspaper clippings and official programs. Coaches would take the time to talk with him and later as tournaments approached they would contact him for his insight of their opponents. His collection became the basis for the research for the book, "Remembering the B" by Jim Stinson.
Those that loved him, will miss him. There is no substitute for the impact that Wendell had in the lives of those that embraced him. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday July 10, 2014 in Wilbur, Washington at the Lutheran Church. A reception will follow with interment at 2:00PM.