Clifford Claussen

Clifford C. "Cliff" Claussen, age 86, of Sauk Centre, died peacefully on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the CentraCare Health Systems Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 16 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church in Sauk Centre.

Clifford Carl Claussen was born November 30, 1926 in Palmer, Iowa to Henry and Mildred (Lotz) Claussen. He was raised on a farm near Gilmore City, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lizard Township.

He graduated from Gilmore City High School in 1944. He spent a short time working in Chicago before coming home to help on the family farm. In December of 1947 he married Maxine Ann Johnson of Rolfe, Iowa. They farmed in the Gilmore area till February of 1954. They moved their family to Lyman Prairie Township in Stearns County, Minnesota. As their family grew, they moved to a larger farm in Ashley Township. Maxine passed away in March of 1968.

In February of 1971 Clifford married Katherine (Jost) Kill in Morris. Together they shared their love for their families. Each summer all their grandchildren were invited to one week at the farm. Many memories were built during that week. They continued farming till their auction in 1990. They moved into Sauk Centre in June of 1998. Clifford served on various boards and committees. He loved a good discussion and loved people. He was a foster grandparent for the school. He and Katherine also ran a stump removal business. They enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Claussen; children, Ruth (Milo) Drevlow of Long Prairie, Barbara (Kent) Nelson of Sartell, Tom (Margaret) Claussen of Eagle Bend, Ralph Claussen (friend, Carrie) of Zimmerman, Marty (Beth) Claussen of Sauk Centre and John Claussen (friend, Annie) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; step-children, Dave (Sharon) Kill, Lori Wiese, Bob (Jeanne) Kill, Ron (Jane) Kill, Rita (Paul) Linde and Leo (Debbie) Kill; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Martha Cage and Marion (Roger) Benjamin; and many nieces and nephews.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Maxine; son, Bruce Claussen; son-in-law, Curt Wiese; three grandchildren, Amy Kill, Brenda Nelson and Luke Linde; and siblings, Herman, Vernon, Sherman, Madora, Carol, and Iola Jean.

Serving as casket bearers will be Alex Claussen, Brian De Wenter, Rodger Lowe, Ben Claussen, John Drevlow and Patrick McCaw.