Clarence Fuchs
Clarence Fuchs passed away October 6 after a life filled with wonderful family and service to his community and country.
Clarence Joseph Fuchs, 86, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many, under the care of Heartlinks Hospice, passed away peacefully in Kennewick, Wash., on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, surrounded by his family.
The youngest child of Leo and Dorothy (Lauby) Fuchs, Clarence was born Aug. 25, 1937, in Nez Perce, Idaho. He attended St. Martin’s High School in Lacey, Wash., where he explored vocation with the Catholic Church. Upon attending a high school dance, Clarence realized the priesthood was not the best path for him.
After high school, he joined the Army and served overseas before being honorably discharged and returning to his home in Nez Perce.
On Sept. 5, 1959, Clarence married Angeline (Angie) Reichlin at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood, Idaho, and enjoyed more than 61 years of married life. They moved to Ephrata, Wash., in 1965, raised 12 children and resided there until Angie’s death. He was a St. Rose of Lima Catholic parish member until he moved to Kennewick, Wash., in 2021. Clarence joined Christ the King Catholic parish in Richland and was a member there until his death.
During his lifetime, Clarence worked a variety of jobs to support his family and serve his community. He was employed as a service delivery driver with House Laundry in Ephrata and worked at COIT Carpet Cleaning in Tri-Cities. Inspired by the work and his knowledge of the business, he formed his own company, White Glove Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, serving the greater Columbia Basin for nearly 20 years. After selling his business, Clarence pursued a second career with the United States Postal Service, retiring after nearly two decades of service. His retirement years were spent visiting family and friends, cheering on the Seahawks, Mariners and his beloved Gonzaga Bulldog basketball team.
Clarence is survived by his children, Joe Fuchs (Patti), Jane Gerrer (Dave), Jean Lagerquist (Rob), Cindy Alexander (Clint), Tina Fuchs (Julie Heilman), Tim Fuchs (Rita), Tom Fuchs (Colleen), Jim Fuchs (Karen), Bob Fuchs (Lori), Gerry Fuchs (Lisa), Deanna Kelly (James) and Chris Fuchs (Karlee); 30 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his sisters Geraldine Miller and Pauline Schlader; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Angie, parents Leo and Dorothy Fuchs, sisters Mary Alice Lance and Dolores Wassmuth, and his brother Richard Fuchs.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 13 at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ephrata. Viewing at 10 a.m., rosary at 10:30 a.m., and funeral mass at 11 a.m. Catholic burial services will take place immediately following the funeral mass at the Ephrata Catholic cemetery. The family wishes to thank Heartlinks Hospice of Kennewick for their support and care, and CIEL Senior Living of Tri-Cities for creating a welcoming and supportive community for Clarence after his move to Kennewick. Memorial contributions can be made to Heartlinks Hospice of Richland, Wash., and to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata.
Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, Washington. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Service will be live-streamed from Nicoles Funeral Home Facebook page.