Ruegnitz was a forester and a labor organization leader. He served as Western representative for Bates & Rogers Construction Company, 1903 to 1915; secretary and manager of the Loyal Legion of Loggers & Lumbermen, 1921 to 1926; president of the Loyal Legion of Loggers & Lumbermen, 1926 to 1936; and secretary and manager of Columbia Basin Sawmills and Columbia Basin Loggers from 1937 onward.
From the guide to the William C. Ruegnitz papers, 1906-1944, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)