Claude P. Dahmen passed away July 19, 2013 at the Guardian Angel Assisted Living Facility in Lewiston, Idaho. He was 94. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 27th at 10:00 AM at St. Gall Catholic Church in Colton. Burial will follow at St. Gall Catholic Cemetery. Claude was born to Jack N. and Agnes (Keller) Dahmen on December 18, 1918 in Burke, Washington (near Quincy). He was one of 13 children in the family. He was raised in the Colton-Uniontown area. Claude worked with his father and family raising dairy cattle at the current site of the Dahmen Artisan Barn in Uniontown. He married Mildred Kirpes of Colton on May 9, 1942 and settled in Colton. They raised three sons. Claude served his county in the U.S. Army during World War II and upon receiving his honorable discharge; he worked as a welder in the Ship Yards in Seattle. Later he worked as an electrician for Washington State University and as a building supervisor for over 29 years before retiring in 1977 to care for Mildred, who had Multiple Sclerosis. Mildred passed away March 30, 1984. Claude was an active member of the Colton-Uniontown communities serving on the Colton School Board, a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Colton City Council. He enjoyed steelhead fishing on the Snake River, fishing trips to the Coast and spending time with his family. Claude married Virginia Mraz on July 18, 1987 in Colton. They enjoyed over 26 years together. Never one to sit idle, Claude built several homes in the Colton area during "retirement" as a favorite hobby. Claude and Virginia enjoyed traveling and the company of friends along with a good game of cards. They lived in Colton until moving to Lewiston in 2007. Claude will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his wife, Virginia, at their home in Lewiston; three sons, Corey (Joy) Dahmen, Lewiston, Bob (Leslie) Dahmen of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Don (Connie) of Kirkland, Washington; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; sisters Millie Thill, Moscow, Idaho, Lillian Bauer, Colton, Florence Grimm, Lewiston, Carol Entel, Spokane, WA. and brothers Roland Dahmen, Colton and Clete Dahmen, San Diego, CA. He is also survived by his step-children; John (Marilyn) Mraz, Tim (Corki) Mraz, Jerry Mraz, and Jim Mraz; 5 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Mildred, he was preceded in death by sisters Lucy Thill, Peg Kinzer, Dorothy Busch and Verna Powers as well as by brothers Dan and Jack. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the St. Gall Endowment Fund or the Colton/Uniontown EMT's. On-line guest book is at www.kimballfh.com
Kimball Funeral Home, Pullman, is caring for the family.