Richard J. Fuchsen

Richard (Rich) J. Fuchsen, age 76, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA.

Born Richard James Fuchsen on September 27, 1948, in Palo Alto County, IA, he was the eldest son of Orval and Virginia (Laubenthal) Fuchsen. Rich and his family lived on the West Bend, Iowa farm originally homesteaded by his great-grandparents. He attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Elementary School and graduated from West Bend High School in 1966. Rich was a Vietnam War veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969.

After his return from serving his country, Rich lived in the Mobile, Alabama area. He trained to become a diesel mechanic and worked for many years at a MACK Trucks dealer, first as a mechanic and later in a sales role. He retired in 2017 from Gulf Coast Truck and Equipment in Mobile.

Rich was a member of the American Legion Post in Wilmer/Mobile, Alabama and more recently a member of the American Legion Post 739 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

Rich loved the outdoors, be it hunting on the Fuchsen Family farm in West Bend, Iowa, camping and hiking with family and friends in the Colorado mountains, or spending time with family on the gulf coast beaches. He especially liked to go fishing and hunting with his sons.

Rich’s high spirited energy, sense of humor and kindness toward people and dogs will be missed by all who loved him.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Virginia; and his wife, Carolyn. He is survived by his sons, Ronnie (Betsy) Fuchsen and Robbie (Rachael) Fuchsen, all of Alabama; as well as grandchildren, Brian, Griffin, Elliott, Walker, Emma and Ava. He is also survived by his siblings, John (Susan) Fuchsen, Robert (Nancy) Fuchsen, Ronald (Donna) Fuchsen, Suzanne (Bruce) Ray and William Fuchsen; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the West Bend, Iowa American Legion, a Vietnam Veterans organization of choice, or an animal shelter of choice.

Per Rich and his family’s wishes, cremation rites have already taken place. A Celebration of Rich’s Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in West Bend Cemetery in West Bend, Iowa.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa has been entrusted to care for Rich and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234