Clarence "Bill" Fruehling, 79, died Friday, January 9, 2009 in Kennewick, Washington. Bill was born on November 30, 1929 in Elma, Washington to William and Minnie Fruehling, who came to America on their honeymoon from Germany. Bill was part of the first generation of his family to be born in America. Bill had three brothers and three sisters. Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, five of his six siblings and his eldest son Bobby. Bill was the beloved husband and soul mate of Lola. Bill and Lola married on October 10, 1958 in Kennewick and raised nine children together. Bill worked for and retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad and was a lifetime resident of the Tri-Cities. He was the respected and treasured father to son Tommy Putnam and wife Linda of Pasco; daughter Linda Strecker and husband Steve of Richland; daughter Minnie Fry and husband Tom of Bethel Island, California; Judy Bettendorf and husband Timm of Kennewick; daughter Rose Nielsen and husband Jim of Bullhead City, Arizona; daughter Janet Doakes of Kennewick; daughter Tammy Supplee of Kennewick; and daughter Vickie Millne of Kennewick. Bill will forever be in the hearts of his more than 25 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. A memorial service for Bill will be held Friday, January 16, 2009, 1:00pm, at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home at 1401 S. Union Street in Kennewick. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House at 2108 West Entiat Avenue Kennewick, WA 99336.