Obituary
Darwin Clausen
Darwin Clausen, age 84, passed away surrounded by family on April 4, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Darwin Gene Clausen was born in Atlantic, Iowa on November 11, 1941, to Raymond and Irene (Nelson) Clausen. Tragically, his mother passed away due to complications from childbirth seven days later. Darwin was lovingly raised by John and Veneta Sorensen (Veneta being Raymond’s sister), alongside his older cousin, Linda Sorensen (Nelson) in rural Elk Horn.
Darwin began his education in rural Oakfield Township #6 School and later attended Elk Horn High School in Elk Horn, Iowa. Following high school, he was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1964, where he served as a Supply Truck Driver before being injured and honorably discharged.
After his military service, Darwin began his career in Audubon, Iowa, working as a Maintenance Technician at Audubon County Memorial Hospital. It was there he met Kathryn Wright, whom he married on October 14, 1967. After several years working at the hospital in Audubon, the couple moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1970, where Darwin worked at Hutchinson Community Hospital as Director of Maintenance. In 1981, the Clausen’s moved to La Crescent, Minnesota, where Darwin continued his career, eventually retiring in 2001 as Director of Plant Services for Franciscan Skemp/Mayo Clinic Health Systems.
Throughout his life, Darwin built many lasting friendships, both from his time in Vietnam and his civilian life. He had a lifelong passion for stock car racing and spent many Saturday nights at the West Salem Raceway in Wisconsin. His enthusiasm for racing took him to tracks such as Daytona and Phoenix International Raceway, and he cherished the opportunity to drive laps in a professional NASCAR at the Richard Petty Driving School in Chicago. Above all, Darwin treasured time spent with his family, especially attending his grandchildren’s events with Kathryn, a tradition he continued even after her passing. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a deeply valued member of his family.
Darwin was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; his biological parents, Raymond and Irene Clausen; his adoptive parents, John and Veneta Sorensen; his parents-in-law, Woodrow and Carol Wright; his brothers, Gary Clausen and Mavin “Dean” Mardesen.
He is survived by his son, Karl (Susan) of Rochester, Minnesota, and their children, Sydney of Minneapolis and Kendall; and his daughter, Gwen (Tony) Schroeder of La Crescent, Minnesota, and their children, Cameron (Kyrie) of Georgia and Elliott of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
A family service will be held at a later date when all surviving family members can be present.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Darwin was a fine man and I was lucky enough to have him as a lifelong friend. Lind and I have pictures on our refrigerator of those we call everyday heroes who inspire us. Dar’s picture is the next one to go on the Whirlpool. Rip Dar and enter your eternal afterlife with Kathrine.