Ronald Fuchs

1934 - 2024

Ronald Fuchs

April 25, 1934 – December 7, 2024

Ronald Kurt Fuchs, beloved dad, grandad, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, in Grass Valley, California, at the age of 90, surrounded by his four sons. Born on April 25, 1934, in Peoria, Illinois, Ron lived a life defined by service, innovation, and dedication to his family and community.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1956, Ron was commissioned into the United States Air Force, serving as a radar operations officer in the Tampa Bay area, which he later joked about saving in "The Battle of Tampa Bay." It was there he met Mary Lou, and they married in 1958. They later settled in the Almaden Valley in San Jose, where they raised their four boys. Ron went on to receive a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University in 1967.

Following his military service, Ron pursued a distinguished career in the defense industry, most of it with Lockheed Corp. His roles ranged from engineering management of groundbreaking programs, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, to the design of innovative systems like a supply vehicle for the International Space Station.

Beyond his work in aerospace, Ron channeled his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into founding a development company, building several custom homes in San Jose and developing a subdivision in Los Gatos. When it came time to retire, Ron and Mary Lou purchased two lots in Lake Wildwood and spent several years designing their dream retirement home, where they moved in 1999. Their home became the setting for many family gatherings, including the annual "Camp Wildwood," a special time when the grandkids would gather (sans parents) for quality activities and bonding time.

Ron loved to design homes, including ruminating over the possibilities of the vacant lot next door, which provided him engagement and amusement in solving a challenging design/build problem (and endlessly seeking feedback from anyone who would listen!).

Ron remained fiercely independent until the very end, always determined to live life on his own terms. His adventurous spirit never waned, and in 2024, at the age of 90, he embarked on a 53-day cruise to Japan, famously declaring that he didn't want to sit at home and stare at the walls. He survived breaking his hip aboard the ship, the ensuing hip replacement surgery in Japan, and the arduous trip home; sadly, his heart failed shortly after his return.

He was very intelligent and always seemed to think he was right; admitting he was wrong was rare and cause for celebration in his family. In his personal life, Ronald loved sailing, was an avid tennis player, and enjoyed golf in his later years. He also had a deep love for card games and competition and was a skilled bridge player, founding and actively participating in a bridge club in Lake Wildwood.

Ronald was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou, his brother, William Fuchs, and his parents Kurt Hans Fuchs and Hedwig Schimpf of Dresden, Germany. His legacy is carried on by his children, Mark (Becky), Mike, Kurt (Stacy), and Eric (Kari); and grandkids, Abbey, Will, Audrey, Elizabeth, Zach, Alex, Cooper, and Corbin.