Longview, Washington
1937 - 2008
Loren Claunch was born June 15, 1937 in Pittsburg, Kan., the only child of Ralph and Mabel Claunch. His family moved a few times during his youth, but he called Richland his childhood home.
He graduated from Richland High School in 1955. He pursued his higher education at Columbia Basin College, then transferred to Central Washington College of Education (Central Washington University) and completed two bachelor's degrees in mathematics and education in 1960. He earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Oregon in 1965.
Loren moved to Longview in 1960 and immediately began his teaching career as a mathematics instructor, continuing to teach in the community through 2008. He taught at Mark Morris High School from 1960 through 1995. He began teaching at Lower Columbia College in the mid-1980's and was still working the week he died.
He had several lifelong interests: teaching, music, gardening and spending time with family.
Loren was an avid gardener, but had a particular love of rhododendrons which he loved to share. It was not unusual for family and friends to come home to a potted "rhodie" sitting on their front porch, or newly planted in their front yard. He also donated and planted many rhododendrons throughout the community. He also created his own barrel and trellis system to grow abundant tomato plants. The bounty from his harvest was shared with many families.
Loren's love of music began in high school when he played the saxophone and clarinet. He began playing in dance bands during college, and he continued this part-time career after he graduated. He joined a band, "The Sounds of Everything", after he moved to Longview and played at local clubs for many years. He shared his love of music with his students and started the pep band at Mark Morris High School.
Loren married the love of his life, JoAnne, in 1960, and they had two children, Lane and Lorijo. Loren and JoAnne were married for 47 years, and he couldn't imagine a life without her. JoAnne passed away Feb. 1, 2008, and 15 days later Loren followed her, dying Feb. 16, 2008. While the doctors couldn't specify any one reason for his death, the family knows he died of a broken heart.
Loren is survived by his son, Lane Claunch and his wife, DeAnna, and their three children, Emily, Lauren, and Anna, of Longview; and his daughter, Lorijo Claunch-Jones and her husband Robert Jones, of Renton.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Northlake Baptist Church in Longview. All those who knew Loren are welcome to come and help celebrate his life and share stories. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made to the CWU Foundation - Claunch Memorial, 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7505.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily News (Longview, WA).
Dear Claunch Family
I was a student of Mr. Claunch's at Mark Morris in 1968. At the end of the year he would advise each of us on what level of math we should pursue. He suggested I try another line of study altogether. He was right.
Brian Firebaugh
August 31, 2008 | Los Angeles, CA
Dear Claunch family---
I was saddened to learn of Loren and JoAnne's passing earlier this year. Although it has been many years since I actually spoke to them, I have always held them in high regard, and they have touched our family in many ways over the years. Loren's mother, Mabel, was a wonderful neighbor and friend to all of our family, particularly my mom, Wanda. Growing up next next door to the Claunch family in Richland was a blessing. I remember Loren's mom used to pass on his...
Ruth Russell Pierson
May 27, 2008 | West Richland, WA
I was just informed of Mr. Claunch's passing. I was saddened to find out that I could not take his math class during spring semester at LCC because he is not longer with us. I was furtunate however, to be able to have him as a teacher two years ago. He was such an excellent, and intelligent person, with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. My condolences go out to the family.
K V
March 10, 2008 | 98632, WA
Our thoughts are with you at this time, we are so sorry for the loss of your parents, two very special people, they will be missed by many.
Thinking of you...
Tina
(and the staff at Ocean Beach Animal Hosp.)
Tina C
March 03, 2008 | Longview, WA
I loved learning from Mr. Claunch. I am saddened he is unable to make math easy for more folks like myself. What a wonderful man. He is a soul destined for heaven with his beautiful soulmate!
Sandra Baker
March 03, 2008 | Battle Ground, WA
Mr. Claunch was one of those teachers that I always meet to contact and let him know that he had an impact on my life. I'm so disappointed that I didn't do it and so wish I had.
The first time I had him as a teacher he was a relatively new to Mark Morris (early 1960's). He was teaching honors math and I had missed a couple of weeks of school because I had mono and was behind in the class. He spent everyday after school for several weeks to help me catch up so I won't have to drop out of...
Scott Urie
February 27, 2008 | Seattle
Dear Lorijo and Lane,
I'm very saddened over the loss of your parents. Whenever I saw them in town, they always took time to visit and catch me up on the latest with the family. Your father was a wonderful teacher. He has forever left a positive impression upon me as a teacher and a friend. I wish you much strength following your loss.
Noelle (McLean) Hamilton
February 27, 2008 | Longview, WA
Lane and Lorijo,
I am sorry to hear about your parents. You will be in my prayers. Your Dad was the only one I can remember who had the patience to teach me math so I could understand it. He gave me such confidence in math a became a math minor in college.
Teresa (Teri) Ringo (Dorris)
February 26, 2008 | Waukegan, IL
Mr. Claunch was my trig teacher my senior year at Mark Morris. He was so patient with me...I will always be grateful to him for the extra support he gave me.
Kathy (Tooley) Woodruff
February 25, 2008 | Federal Way, WA
