Gilbert 'Fuzzy' Maurer

Gilbert “Fuzzy” Maurer passed peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2009, after many years of health struggles.

He was under the care of Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake and was attended by his family.

Gilbert Delano Maurer was born March 16, 1934, in Kettle Falls, Wash., to Charles George Maurer and Delfina Britten Maurer. The sixth of eight children, he acquired his lifelong nickname of “Fuzzy” when his head was accidentally cut by a hatchet and his hair grew back “fuzzy” around the wound.

His family moved to Walla Walla, Wash., for the veteran services provided by the VA Hospital for his father injured during World War I. Fuzzy grew-up in Walla Walla, attended WA High and was an outstanding athlete excelling in football and baseball. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War.

Fuzzy met his companion and sweetheart, Jean Oldridge, in Walla Walla, where they were married in 1953. Upon release from the U.S. Army, Fuzzy and Jean raised their two sons, Richard “Rick” Maurer (deceased) and Michael Maurer, in and around the Columbia Basin including Walla Walla, Moses Lake and Ephrata. Fuzzy was a builder and plasterer know for his sense of humor, hard work and love for his family.

Fuzzy is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his son Rick Maurer and daughter-in-law Tina Haun Maurer. He is survived by his wife Jean Oldridge Maurer, son Michael Maurer (both of Moses Lake), six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, a large extended family and his faithful dogs.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held later this summer when his cremains will be interred at the Moses Lake Cemetery. Those wishing to attend to celebrate Fuzzy’s life should contact the Maurer’s in Moses Lake for the date, time and location. The entire Maurer family wishes to thank all those who have so lovingly cared for Fuzzy.