Claude L. Freund

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 & Kevin Kimp, Bonners Ferry, ID; Karrie and Scott Fay, Liberty Lake, WA and son Russ & Lora Freund, Post Falls, ID. Also surviving are grandchildren Ashley & Chad Nordhagen, Shawn & Melissa Kimp, Hannah & 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 public viewing will held today, Sunday, May 1st from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley. A car show and celebration for Claude’s life will be held on 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.