Edward A. Firch

Edward A. Firch was born on July 14, 1925 in Tacoma, Washington and died at age 100 on September 27, 2025 in University Place, Washington. He was the middle child born to Edward A. Sr. and Minnie Firch and was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Edna Hemminger and younger brother Robert Firch.

Edward grew up in Tillicum, Washington, along American Lake, where he helped his father run a boat house. They rented out boats to people for fishing and recreation. He attended Clover Park High School, was a top student, played on the football team and was a member of the track team.

After graduating from high school in 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and was sent to the Pacific to serve during World War II. He was trained to be a stevedore, unloading supplies from the cargo ships, and worked in various places, including on Tinian, an island in the Northern Mariana Islands. After the war ended in 1945 he returned home to Tillicum, Washington and enrolled at the University of Washington, where he studied Fisheries Biology and received a Bachelor of Science Degree upon graduation in 1950.

On September 17, 1950 he married Marian Lindstedt in Chehalis, Washington. He was soon employed at Eagle Paper Box Company, where he worked as a printing pressman for 40 years. He and Marian were married, a little over 70 years, until her death on February 14, 2021. They raised three sons, Mark (Pat), Scott (Heather), and Mike (Susan). He had three grandchildren, Amanda (Eric), Thomas (Rachael), and Will and great grandchildren Abigail, Soloman, Emberli, Seirsha, and Caedman.

He was a member at Central Lutheran Church Tacoma, where he taught Sunday School. In the 1970's he transferred his membership to Christ Lutheran Church Lakewood. He put a major emphasis on the ''Good News'' of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, ''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.'' (NIV)

Edward liked to read, especially biblical works and geography. He enjoyed the activities at his assisted living place, particularly the games and exercise class.

Edward's family wish to thank the folks at Bridgeport Place Assisted Living facility and the people of Envision Hospice Care for their knowledge and care.

According to his wishes there will not be a memorial service, but a graveside service for the family will be held at New Tacoma Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church Lakewood, 8211 112th St SW Lakewood, Washington.