Carl Dean Wenham

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, and friend to many, Carl Dean Wenham, who died on June 27, 2025, in Walla Walla, Washington, at the age of 73.

Carl was born on February 3, 1952, in Walla Walla, Washington, to Dr. George and Rosemary Wenham. He was raised in Walla Walla alongside his siblings Theodore, Ramon, Kenneth, Rita, Anthony, and William Wenham.

Carl Wenham graduated from DeSales High School in Walla Walla, Washington, and attended Central Washington University, where he graduated in 1976. Carl’s first teaching and coaching jobs were at Forks High School, where, without any previous wrestling experience, he became the assistant wrestling coach. Wenham became the head wrestling coach at Forks High School before moving to Quincy High School as their Head wrestling coach. Coach Wenham became involved in wrestling at the local, state, and national levels when he started working in the state cultural exchange program. In recognition of his dedication to the sport of Wrestling, he was presented the Joe Babbitt Contributors Award by the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association in 1998.

In Carl’s “retirement” years, he could be found working in the local wine industry and at The Hungate Hotel. In his downtime, he could also be found enjoying the mountains on his 4-wheeler-type vehicles.

He is preceded in death by his father, George Wenham, and Mother, Rosemary Wenham.

Carl is survived by his siblings, Theodore, Ramon, Kenneth, Rita, Anthony, and William Wenham; his sisters-in-law, Melody and Karen; his brother-in-law, Mike; his nieces and nephews, Anna, Peter, Shannon, Justin, and Morgan; and many beloved cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Celebration of life for Carl will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington State Wrestling Association through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.