Dennis “Denny” Fuchs, a 53-year member of Laborers Local 110, died peacefully in his sleep at home Jan. 3, 2021 after a four-year battle with mesothelioma. He was 78.
Brother Fuchs, of Eureka, worked in construction all his life – a trade he learned from his father. His specialty was concrete, and he became known as “The Concrete Man.” He retired early from an on-the-job injury, but stayed active in Local 110, serving as president of the Retirees Council for 15 years.
In the 1960s, he enlisted in the Army National Guard of Festus. A few years after that, he fought in the war in Vietnam as part of the 1st Infantry Division, 1st Engineers Battalion, Company B. The honors he received include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. He was honorably discharged on March 30, 1970 as a Sergeant.
In 1995, he and his family worked hard to start the VFW Post 5468 in Eureka, and he was elected its first Post Commander that same year. The post won all-state honors several times because of its contributions to the community. In 2014, Brother Fuchs received the Bronze Award as a Legacy Lifetime Member, presented to him by the VFW National Commander.
Brother Fuchs had a giving spirit. He was proud of his 50-year commitment to his church as well as many organizations, including the Distress Committee for his Union, Most Sacred Heart Church, St. Vincent De Paul, American Legion, Circle of Concern, Knights of Columbus, Eureka Senior Center and the Agape House in Pacific. In 2006, he was named Eureka’s Citizen of the Year for his help in the community.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Margaret “Maggie” (nee Wheeler) Fuchs, his daughter, Jennifer (Mark) Rickards; and granddaughter, Sancia; and his siblings: Mike Fuchs, Patty Hunt, Sandy (John) Huber, Kevin (Diane) Fuchs, Karen (Rick) Stark, Marty (Melinda) Fuchs, Shelley (Bruce) Ploetze, and Chris (Kim) Fuchs. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Henry Fuchs and Ann Louise Strawhun.
A funeral Mass was held Jan. 12 at Most Sacred Heart Church in Eureka followed by interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Most Sacred Heart Church. Friends may sign the family’s online guestbook at Schrader.com.
- Share this story:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-