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BORN
01/24/1947
DIED
04/27/2011
Claude Freund Obituary
FREUND,
Claude L.
(Age 64)
Claude was born on January 24, 1947 to Wilma and Arthur Freund in Spokane, Washington and passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2011. Claude grew up in the Valley and graduated from East Valley High School. There he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Susan Hagen. They were married in 1965 and had three children, Marisue, Karrie and Russell. Claude began working at the age of 14 at the Big "K" Food Center, in Trentwood, later he was a manager of Farver's Grocery Store in Post Falls and in 1979 owned and operated F&F Specialty Cars/Auto Parts. After selling the business he worked for Western States Equipment, retiring in 2008. Claude's love affair with cars began at the age of 13, building his first car, a 1925 Model T roadster. Throughout the years his passion for the automobile only grew stronger. Recently Claude completed another 1925 "T" roadster just like the first car he ever built. Claude belonged to Syndicates Car Club and was a founding member of the Spokane Roadsters. Claude was the mentor of Thee Inland Emperors. Over the years Claude and Susan traveled all over the United States and Canada receiving local and national attention for all his hot rods. In 2007, Claude was inducted into the Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame. Claude's talent and passion was passed on to his son, Russ. January 2011 he joined Russ on the Car Show circuit and enjoyed seeing his son's many accomplishments. Claude's greatest pleasure came from his family. He made sure his family knew how much he loved them at all times. He is survived by the love of his life, Susan of Gasoline Alley, Newman Lake, WA; daughters Marisue and Kevin Kimp, Bonners Ferry, ID, Karrie and Scott Fay, Liberty Lake, WA; and son Russ and Lora Freund, Post Falls, ID. Also surviving are grandchildren Ashley and Chad Nordhagen, Shawn and Melissa Kimp, Hannah and Madelyne Doyle and Katelynn Fay; great-granddaughter Aleah McClendon; numerous nieces and nephews. Claude befriended everyone with his quick wit and charm, from the checker at the store to his many fellow street rodders. Claude's passion to help those in need, he donated a kidney to dear friend Teresa Jones in 2000. It is comforting to know his gift lives on. He will be dearly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Wilma Freund; brothers Ronald and David Freund. A car show and celebration for Claude's life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 beginning at 12:00 p.m. with a graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetery, Trentwood, followed by a cruise to Gasoline Alley, Newman Lake, WA. In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting Hot Wheels/die cast cars at the celebration to be donated to children's charity in Claude's honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claude Freund
Jon and Kali Budda
May 29, 2011
Susan and family...We will greatly miss Claude who was not only a close friend, but a mentor to our boys and loved him like a father/grandfather to all of us! We continue to hold each of you up in our prayers and we are here for you always! We love you so much Susan!
Jami Johnson
May 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family thru this tough time. Claude will be missed greatly, but his memory will be forever cherrished.
S Carroll
May 16, 2011
I can't believe the saddness of this loss. Claude was such an amazing artist! I will always remember the 2007 family reunion at the beautiful Freund home... I am so grateful to have had the pportunity to introduce my immediate family to my much extended family. I offer my deepest condolences to the family member Claude is survived by...
Lonnie Meadows
May 8, 2011
I was honored to be inducted the same year as Claude. He was a wonderful person and had quite a personality! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. He will truely be missed by the hotrod community!
Thanks for the memories!!
Lonnie Meadows
Marty & Rachelle Uber
May 8, 2011
Wow what a shock we came to town for one celerbration and came home to the news of the loss of Marty's mentor for many years. Our family was so blessed to get to know you all. Karissa just loved the cars and Claude. I always thought of you as Martys other set of parents and loved you all.
We have no words to express the frustration of not knowing and how much we will truly miss him. Sue & Russ, Marty would/will be there in a heartbeat if you need anything at all.
Our love goes out to the whole family!
Marty and Rachelle Uber
Karissa Quinn
May 7, 2011
So sorry for the great loss. Claude was a special person who was there for me when my own father was not. I really enjoyed working for him and Susan at F&F Auto Parts as well as painting hot rods with him. I will be forever grateful and he will be missed.
Marty & Rachelle Uber
Jerrod Amos
May 7, 2011
Wow. Who would've known a man and family that I've only met a handfull of times would have such a heavy miraculous impact on my life. First of all I really admired his relationship as a father to his son Russ. I could tell they really shared an interest together with hot rods. As we now know time is precious. But more importantly Claude and his family made a life changing decision and a gift sent from God to save my Grandmothers life. He did not have to give her his kidney but did so out of his own kind heart and the dedication he had to the people he loved. Thank you so much. Words could never express how much you meant in my family's life. God Bless.
Grandson of Jess and Teresa Jones-
Travis Brewer
May 6, 2011
No earthly words can ease the ache in your heart right now...know that Claude left a huge, lasting impression on our family. His kindness, generosity, warm smile and general "relax, everything is ok, might as well be happy" attidude will be missed. My daughter will always remember her first "hot rod" that Claude gave her. Love and prayers to the Freund or "friend" (as my phone would want to correct)Family.
Travis, Angie, Emma and Ethan Brewer
May 6, 2011
Susan and Family we were so sorry to hear of Claude's passing. May God Bless all of you in the coming days. He was always such a joy to work with. He kept all the employees and the customer happy with his laugh and smile. Treasure the memories you have.
Sincerely,
Marlys and Gary Walker
May 5, 2011
Susan and Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Claude's laughter will be missed but his memory will live on.
The Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame
Lonnie & Helen Meadows
May 5, 2011
Susan and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate his life well lived.
cora cole
May 5, 2011
Sorry to hear about this...Claude was a nice guy and I heard nice to work for also!
Chuck Pierce
May 5, 2011
Sad to see a great guy pass. I enjoyed working with Claude at Farver's and doing business with him at F&F. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Kathy & Logan Langford
May 5, 2011
Our deepest condolences. We worked with Claude at Western States. He would bring the work place to life. At least for me. Claude was always there to cheer me up and put a smile on my face. He has a heart of pure GOLD and a very kind soul. Drive on Claude. Imagine the street rod he is building now! We love you and will celebrate your life.
Sharron Collins
May 4, 2011
Marisue, Susan and Kerrie and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Claude's death!. Know that your family is in our prayers.
Love you all, Sharron and Bob
Mike & Linda Harrison
May 4, 2011
Susan and family, we are so sorry to hear about Claudes passing. I have considered him a close friend since we were little kids. He will be missed by many. Our love and prayers to your family.
May 4, 2011
Susan,Russ and family.I was so shocked to hear of Claude's passing.What a great man and friend.Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this trying time.Be strong and rest assured we will all see him again one day. Stuart and Annette Munroe
Don Penna
May 4, 2011
Susan and Russ, there are no words that I can think of that will ease the pain of your loss, Claude was a great guy and will be missed. The Goodguy shows won't be the same without the Good Guy.
Brenda Pagano
May 4, 2011
Russ-
In honor of your father we will also be handing out "Hot Wheels" to all the children who attend Juneau Alaska's annual car show May 6,7 and 8th. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condulances to you and your families.
Juneau Dipsticks car club
Ralph Carlaw
May 4, 2011
Susan and Family. Claude will be greatly missed.
Ron, Connie and Travis Clark
May 4, 2011
Sue and family, we are so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, loving, inspiring and devoted man. You and your family will be in our prayers so you might be comforted in this grieving time. We love you dearly
May 4, 2011
Susan, Russ and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Claude, he wiss be missed by all and was a wonderful man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Peg vandeVanter
Neil and Jackie Felton
May 4, 2011
Sue and family
Our love and prayers to all of you.
Lanie and Ray Chilcote
May 3, 2011
Susan and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard Seaman
May 3, 2011
Susan and Family - My heartfelt condolences go out to you. I cannot say anything to relieve your pain or feelings. I am sending you all my love and light. Claude is a fantastic man who I have always felt was man with high standards and integrity. If you need anything from me or my family we are always here for you.
Many Blessings, Richard Seaman
Jess & Teresa Jones
May 3, 2011
Susan, Russ, Laura, Carrie, Scott, Marysue, Kevin and All your beautiful grandchildren. Our Hearts & Souls are with all of you every minute of each day. We love you...
VALERIE HOREY
May 3, 2011
I WORKED WITH CLAUDE AT QUALITY ENGINE KITS SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND JUST THOUGHT THE WORLD OF HIM! HE WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY AND SO NICE TO WORK WITH SOMEONE WITH SUCH A POSOTIVE ATTITUDE. I DIDNT SEE HIM MUCH AFTER THAT BUT HE WOULD STOP IN ONCE IN A WHILE AND SAY HELLO AND EVERYONE HOPED HE WAS DRIVING HIS HOT ROD!! WHAT A GREAT MAN. HE WILL BE MISSED I AM SURE. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY
Jesse & Teresa Jones
May 3, 2011
Susan, Russ, Laura, Carrie, Scott, Marysue, Kevin & All your beautiful grandkids...We are with you heart & soul every minute of the day...
Love & Hugs to all of you...
MARSHA ANDERSEN
May 2, 2011
SUSAN AND FAMILY, WE ARE TRULY SADDENED AND SCHOCKED BY CLAUDE'S PASSING. HE TRULY WAS A REMARKABLE AND GIVING PERSON. HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO HAD THE HONOR AND PRIVELEGE TO KNOW THIS INCREDIBLE MAN.
OSCAR AND MARSHA ANDERSEN MARYSVILLE WA.
May 2, 2011
Susan, Russ, and Family. Love you guys. You are in our hearts and prayers. Going to miss "The Old Hotroder"
Dennis and Jan Stoeser
May 2, 2011
We were so sorry to hear about Claude. We will be thinking of you and your family. Steve and Nancy Hagen
May 2, 2011
Susan and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Darrell & Chris Larson
Russell Freund
May 2, 2011
I love you dad.
Diane&Dale Gerry
May 1, 2011
Susan & Family,So sorry to hear about Claude!May the love of friends&family carry you through your grief!Diane & Dale Gerry
Gene & Norma Ward
May 1, 2011
May 1,2011
Susan and Family, our prayers and our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Claude touched many lives including ours and we feel blessed to have been his friends. Thank you for shareing him with us. RIP Claude, you will never be forgotten.
Gene and Norma Ward
May 1, 2011
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Susan, you and your family will be in my prayers.
God bless you,
Renee Schierman (Watkins)
Ron and Judy Harris
May 1, 2011
We are heartbroken. It will take a long time to reconcile and come to terms with Claude's sudden passing. His personality was larger than life and his laughter and generosity will be remembered always. He always made time for everyone and had the unique ability to make each person he knew feel special and treasured - what an extraordinary gift! We know that his love and merriment will live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was so, so proud of you, Russ - you were truly twins in not only looks but in spirit as well! We have no doubt that we will see that sparkle of Claude mischief in your eyes someday soon! Stay strong - there are many, many people who will help you carry the weight of your grief and move forward. Knowing Claude, he would never, ever, want anyone to be sad; he would be apologizing for making anyone feel the way we all do now. It's OK, Claude; we will let you go for now as death cannot defeat love. Keep the shiny side up, Claude - we will see you again someday. Your friends and former five year next door neighbors, Ron and Judy Harris
Ray Simpson
May 1, 2011
Russ, Susan and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.RIP Calude!!!
Beth (Devine)Lopez
May 1, 2011
Blessings to you Susan and to the family! I will never forget Claude bringing a car to share with Russ' fellow second graders on the playground!!!! What a wonderful husband and father! Beth (Devine) Lopez
Nancy Kissling
May 1, 2011
Susan, there are no words I can find to express the sympathy I am feeling for you. Both you and Claude are close friends from my childhood and part of me. You are ever in my thoughts.
Love you,
Nancy
Jamee & John Cook
April 30, 2011
Susan, Russ & Lora,
and the entire Freund Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May sweet memories bring you comfort today, and always. Take moments to reflect on how many lives have been touched by Claude's charasmatic personality & generousity; these memories will always bring you comfort.
Debbie Snodgrass-Wilson
April 29, 2011
Susan and family, Lean on those who share your memories,laughter and love. They will get you through this time. Claude touched so many people in his life and will be so missed. What a wonderful man, husband and father.
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