Mr. Claussen was born Oct. 11, 1925, at Dorrance. He was married on Sept. 4, 1949, in Dorrance. He was a retired production foreman for Melland Oil Co. of McPherson. He was also a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant. He served in World War II and the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6240, a 60-year member of American Legion Post 140 and a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans.

Survivors include his wife, Grace; a son, Jim of Brenham, Texas; five daughters, Colleen Claussen and Kathleen Livingood, both of Salina, Lynn Cochran of Overland Park, Therese Claussen of Anaheim, Calif., and Maureen Hill of Kipp; three sisters, Eunice Garrett and Verna May Shaffer, both of Russell, and Tina Claussen of Dorrance; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at First Lutheran Church, Dorrance. Inurnment will be in Dorrance City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Dorrance.