Gene Clasen

February 13, 1943 – November 26, 2021

Gene Clasen, 78, of Moses Lake, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, after an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s. Family was always the most important thing for Gene and he was surrounded by his family in the final days of his passing. Gene was born on Feb. 13, 1943, in Richmond, California, and spent his childhood in Vale, Oregon, before moving to Washington. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Wallace, in December 1964. They moved to Moses Lake, where they raised four children. Gene worked in the grocery industry and they owned Vista Quick Stop Minimart for 33 years, where they met many new friends.

Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time. He especially loved fishing with his many family members and always let others catch their fish first. Many memories were made at Sun Lakes for opening fishing weekend, a yearly tradition that started when he was a teenager. Gene also enjoyed being involved in the Moses Lake freestyle wrestling club, where more lasting friendships were made. He continued to follow the Moses Lake wrestling program throughout his life. His highlight was going to Nebraska to watch his grandson win a NCAA Division II super regional championship and his grandson giving Gene the trophy for all of his support. Gene was so proud of all of his children and grandchildren, family was so important to him. He was always ready to joke around and was known for his sense of humor. It was impossible to be around Gene without laughing or being part of one of his jokes.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Crystal Clasen, son Brian Clasen, nephews Jason Huffman and Tim Patterson, and niece Jamie Anderson (Dirks). He is survived by his wife Shirley; siblings Diane (Roger) Anderson, Don (Barbara) Clasen, Cathy (Jack) Patterson, Mary (Dale) Huffman and Joanne (Mike) Young; daughter Landi (Kevin) Lee, sons Colby (Stacey) Clasen and Cameron (Stacie) Clasen; grandchildren Taylor, Brandon, Austin, Marissa, Chase, Skyler, Santana, Caitlin, Kylie and Colter; great-granddaughters Iris and Emma; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the Special Olympics or the Ronald McDonald House.

A celebration of life will be held on Dec. 11, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Our Redeemer Church, 172 Ivy St. SE, Ephrata, Washington.