Leonard “Lennie” Fuchs III passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Sunday July 28, 2024, after a seven-month battle with cancer.
He was born in Quantico, Virginia, the oldest son of Leonard and MaryAnn Fuchs. Growing up in a military family he lived in many places (Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona, and California) along with his sisters, Beth and Ann, and his brother, Mike. Lennie graduated from Yuma High School and went on to earn his bachelors degree in History and Political Science from the University of Arizona.
At UofA, he met Suzanne Parker, and they were married shortly after graduation. Together, they’ve built a full life of memories, raising two beautiful children, Parker and Maddie, and spreading kindness through his relationships at Meijer where he was a mentor and friend to many and his extended community of friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Parker and Maddie; parents, Leonard and MaryAnn; his in-laws, Bud and Barbara Parker; siblings, Beth (Dave) Lavin, Michael Fuchs, Ann (Joe) Mathis; brother in-law, Jeff (Jill) Parker; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; who all adored him.
Lennie’s infectious personality, quick humor, and sharp intellect have made a great mark on us all, we will love him forever.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr, Ada, MI 49301, with visitation one hour prior. Private Inurnment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Robert of Newminster Catholic School.
25 Responses
Words cannot even begin to describe the wonderful impact Lennie had on this world. He was the best godfather imaginable and our family will never be the same without his infectious laugh, kind heart, and endless and thoughtful questions. Even though Holly never met you, she’ll know all about her cousin.
Have a drink in heaven for me that’s not a water, Little Lennie.
I just saw this and can’t believe it. Lenny, I feel I just saw you but its been years. I can still hear your laughter and the laughs you gave us. You were truly an infectious person and will be missed, rest in peace my friend.
I have fond memories of Lennie in high school. Always had a smile on his face and would make everyone feel included.
You will always be remembered Lennie.
This comes as a complete heartbreak to me. Seeing this today, I send all my love to Suzanne and your children. may time at Abercrombie was quite literally the best of my career and working with Lenny was always a joy- he was so bright, insightful and had this light of joy around him- so even in highly stressful times- he was cool as a cucumber.
God Bless your entire Family,
Mindy DeHate
We were so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Hugs to all. May his memory be a blessing. Betsy and Dick Frank -Sammy’s Grandparents.
I just saw this, and I am extremely saddened by the news. Such a young life, taken way too soon! My heart goes out to his family….his wife and kids especially. I hope they can find some peace, I will pray for that. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Such sad news, our Yuma Crim class is getting smaller every day. Lots of love and prayers to the family.
Lennie,
Thank you for your kindness and guidance starting from the day we met in 1986. Our friendship in college was only eclipsed by the years of your keeping watch over me decades later. You are an indelible mark.
Phi Phi brother,
Coff
Suzanne,
My heart breaks for you and yours. You both selected well.
With love,
Chris
Rest in peace, Lennie 🙏. I’m in shock! I’ll always remember your big personality and all the fun times in Biology. Prayers to your family 🙏🙏🙏
It is with a heavy heart we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers. Such an amazing life with such an amazing legacy to leave for Suzanne, Parker Maddie and extended family.
Our St. Roberts Community is wrapping big arms around you all as you go through this vey difficult time.
Yours in Music and in Christ.
Annie Schmieder
You will be so missed, Lennie. Our hearts are broken for you and the family. All these years later and I’ve never forgotten how kind you and Suzanne were to me and Stephen when we were kids. I hope you can rest easy now and know your family will always be loved and taken care of.
Stephanie, Nixon, Julius, and Vayda
Collin and I are so sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. Lennie was such a part of our college experience and brought so much joy and laughter to everyone around him. He was also an amazing husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone he touched and especially his beautiful family.
I am soooo sad! We always said Lennie should go on Jeopardy! Smartest guy I have ever met! I never got a chance to meet his wife and children and I have not seen him since the 90’s, but that guy could NEVER be forgotten! His family was so nice to me growing up! Homeslice will be missed and love to all his family and friends.❤️
I worked with Lennie at Gap what feels like a hundred years ago. He would tell me stories of picking watermelons in California and I would laugh and laugh. He was so warm-hearted and just darn funny and smart. Our office windows took in the morning sun and Lenny suggested we just where sunglasses while working. So ridiculous but it worked.
We haven’t spoken in decades but my heartbreaks for his family and all of us whom he touched. He was a super-dude.
Sadly I have not seen Lennie in years. Lennie was liked by everyone. He was always friendly and kind to everyone. Deepest sympathies and prayers to the Family.
Oh dear Lenny, your happy disposition always made my day at A&F. RIP.
Dear Suzanne, my deepest condolences to you and your family. May his wonderful memories keep your heart warm. Best regards Leslie Assaf
I was shocked and so sad to find out Lennie is no longer with us. He had such a fun personality always making us laugh at Yuma High! Such a nice guy! My prayers go out to his entire family especially his wife and kids. May you make everyone in Heaven laugh! Rest in peace Lennie and shine bright. You will be missed by all.🙏🙏🙏❤️
I am so sad hearing of Lenny’s passing. I can still see him in his white Raybans, popped collar and bright smile at Yuma High! His light shined bright and happy we were able to experience it! Prays for his wife, children, family and friends!
Everyone that knew Little Lennie knew he was the light that came on when he entered a room.
His humor, humility & honesty made him relatable to toddlera, teens & adults.
Many may be unaware that he was a celebrity as a toddler. He & his sister, Beth looked like ‘the Campbell’s soup kids’. There was even a picture of the two toddlers peeking over a wooden gate. Well, they had been instructed to stay on the inside of the gate. Their sense of adventure motivated them to disconnect the gate & they were found walking down the street with the gate in front of them.
Little Lennie’s ethics & love for life with give Parker & Maddie the memories to go forward & flourish with their great mom, Suzanne supporting & directing them for each chapter of their lives.
We pray for strength for all of Lennie’s family.
Love, Uncle Andy & Aunt BJ
I’ve known Lennie since his first day in the office at Meijer. He was only there long enough to say hello because Parker was born! Lennie is literally the kindest human being I have ever been privileged to work with at Meijer!! Loved all his stories about Parker and Maddie throughout the years. Lennie also cared about us all no matter what he was going through. Always remembered what was going on in our lives. Every communication started out with “how are you doing, how is the family, how is (whatever you were going through)”. I will miss him and his smile so much but I do know I will see him again in heaven. Go rest high on that mountain Lennie, as your work on earth here is done (Vince Gill song). Prayers are with you and your family through this very difficult time.
My prayers and thoughts are with Suzanne and the family. My husband (Ron) and I are probably one of many people Lenny and Suzanne met when A&F was recruiting people to come on board. I am so thankful to having Lenny as a familiar first face when I did decide to join A&F. He lives on joyfully in my memories.
I haven’t seen Lennie in years but his personality was so bright you never forget him. He was so welcoming to all and extremely extroverted always doing something silly to make people laugh! What a loss the world has but a gain to heaven! RIP my old friend! Prayers for peace to his family.
I remember how close the connection was when you were in high school. How that special is friendship has continued till this day. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your whole family. Pray that you will find peace moving forward with the help of friends and family.💔🙏🙏
I saw your post Suzanne and was just so saddened and shocked. I have sooooo many fond memories of Lennie, Scott, JT, you,me and Kendy! He was always so funny and the life of the party and I have no doubt that this was how he lived his life. My thoughts, love and prayers go out to you and the family during this time. I know your heart must ache, and I am deeply sorry! ❤️
Suzanne, I’m so sad to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. Looks like he had a beautiful life.
Allison Felgenhauer ( Jane Adams friend )