Al Claussen

Alton Glenn Claussen was born to William and Caroline (Sanny) Claussen on June 28, 1926 in Hartford, South Dakota. He was baptized on October 2, 1927 at Christ Lutheran Church where he was confirmed on July 16, 1939. He was raised in Hartford and attended school there, graduating from Hartford High School in 1943. On October 24, 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Germany in the 6th Armored Infantry Company as a truck driver transporting personnel, equipment and supplies. After his discharge from the service on August 10, 1946, he returned to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and worked as a salesman at Power City Radio. On April 11, 1958, he was united in marriage to Sharon Grave at Zion Lutheran Church in Hartford. Following their marriage, they resided in Sioux Falls where Al became a salesman for L. C. Leppert Company. In 1963, they moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, and he again worked in sales for HyPane Gas. Then, in 1974, he became employed for Hills Gas and Appliance in Yankton, South Dakota, but continued to live in Pipestone. He began working in sales for Appliance Parts out of Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1986. After his retirement in 1988, he kept busy as the custodian at Christ the King Lutheran Church. He also volunteered with the Pipestone County Food Shelf and as a crossing guard for the area students. On March 29, 2011, he became a resident of the Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, Minnesota where he died on Tuesday, April 28, 2011, under the care of the Ridgeview Hospice Program at the age of 84 years and ten months.

Al was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Pipestone. He was also a member of the Michael Boock American Legion Post 6 where he served for two years as a Commander. He also served the Second District of the American Legion as Vice Commander for two years, First Vice Commander for one year, Adjutant for one year, and Oratorical Chairman for six years. During the time he was Oratorical Chairman, the Second District had two state winners. He was also a life member of VFW Post 3814 where he served as Commander for two years for the Third District. For many years, he enjoyed bowling as well as watching various sports on the television.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon Claussen of Pipestone, Minnesota; five children, Terry Claussen and his wife Karen of Havre de Grace, Maryland, Randy Claussen of Pipestone, Minnesota, Troy Claussen and his wife Mary Lou of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sherri Piersen and her husband Tom of Watertown, Minnesota, and Karla Chamley and her husband Todd of Trent, South Dakota; 14 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one sister, Betty Olson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edwin Claussen; and three sisters, Gertie Reuter, Elnora Holiway, and Loretta Pressler.