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Obituary

Kenneth “Shadow” Claussen

January 25, 2013 | 12 comments

Kenneth “Shadow” T. Claussen, 65, died at home in Onalaska per his wishes. He was born October 16, 1947 in Milwaukee, WI. He was raised in La Crescent, MN. 

Kenneth worked almost 20 years for Raymond Bros. Development Company in Onalaska, he worked for Festival Foods prior to his stroke and continued to do computer work after his stroke.

He married Susan Jacobs October 18, 1988. They traveled on the East Coast visiting historical sites and friends along the way. Ken loved the ocean and watching the dolphins and pilot whales. He and Sue spent a few weeks every year at Melbourne Beach, Florida until poor health prevented him from traveling so far.

Ken traveled with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corp’s early years where he got the nickname “Shadow”. He helped set up the “Bingo Night” at the Crucifixion Church for the Blue Stars. He loved to travel to the Drum Corp competitions in Stillwater, MN and Whitewater, WI.

Prior to his stroke, Ken attended many Twins baseball games at the old stadium and the Metrodome. He and Sue attended the “comeback” game (#6) in the Twins World Series. Ken was a diehard Twins/Vikings/Gophers fan.

Ken loved to work in his yard and visit his friends at Caribou and Starbucks.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Eva Claussen and other family, Irene Schaller, Tom Schaller, Steinbauer’s, Kriesel’s and Marcou’s.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Jacobs Claussen; godmother, Betty Kummeth; cousins, Patty Kummeth, Shari (Clare) Jarvis; Jim (Donna) Steinbauer, Bob (Diane) Marcou, Schaller family, Glen (Joy) Hagen, Leroy Terveen, Don (Mary) Marcou, Bruce (Barb) Marco; in-law’s, Tom (Maxine) Jacobs and family (Kujak’s and Hansen’s), Dorrene (Bill) Heider and family (Roesler’s, Veglahn’s, McCartney’s, and Heider); and many friends.

The family would like to thank special friends, Schwertfeger’s Leda, Mike, Kaitlin and Delaney for their love and support through Ken’s final days and his entire illness. Thanks to Lora and Mike Krall for their love and support during Ken’s illness also, your help was wonderful!

Special thanks to Cathy Wilson, NP Internal Medicine- Gundersen Clinic, Onalaska and staff, especially Arlene, RN, and Desiree, MA- float pool, for their compassion and guidance in fulfilling Ken’s wishes.

Thanks also to Hospice- Gundersen Hospital (Dr. Yaeger, Dr. Herath, Char, RN and especially Shawn, RN) for their expertise in assisting Ken for his next journey.

There will be a private graveside ceremony per Ken’s request. Memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be left at www.couleecremation.com. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

Condolences

12 Comments

  1. Sarah Benson

    So sorry for your loss Sue. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. You are a very strong person and you will get through this. Miss you at Hillview.

    • susan claussen

      Sara,
      Thanks for writing. Take care.

      Su

  2. Rita Ferrier

    Sue, So sorry for your loss. Remembering all the Joys, Happiness and Love that you and Ken have shared, will give the strenght over the saddness that you have in your heart now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rita

    • susan claussen

      Thank you Rita! Kind of you to write! Ken will be missed.

      Su

  3. Nancy Satterlee Curry

    Sue, I just had an e-mail from Carol and Noel telling me of Ken’s death. As I wrote to Carol and Noel, you two were an amazing team. I will always be grateful for how good you were to Mom and Dad, and the children and I. I loved talking with Ken about music. The picture of the two of you in your lovely backyard garden is one of my favorite pictures. A picture is worth a million words. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. He will be sorely missed.

    • susan claussen

      Nancy,
      Thank you so much! it’s good to hear from you. I’m thankful Kenny was without pain and aware that I was there. thanks again.

      Su

  4. Patty Herron Johnson

    Sue, So very sorry to here the news of Ken’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you and your family are doing well. Love Patty

    • susan claussen

      Thank you Patty! Means alot to hear from you.

      Su

  5. Lois Martin

    Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

    • susan claussen

      thank you Lois!!
      su

  6. Viterbo Nursing faculty

    Sue, we would like to extend our heartfelt prayers to you and your family during this sad time.

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