Donald “Donnie” Clausen, of Dawson, died Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson, MN at the age of 73.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Johnson Memorial Care Center Chapel in Dawson with Pastor Herbert Rotunda officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before services on Saturday.
Donald Allan Clausen was born on December 6, 1943 to George and Verna (Connor) Clausen in Maxwell Township of Lac qui Parle County. He was the second oldest of six children: 4 boys and 2 girls. Don went to county school at District 26 in Maxwell Township through 8th grade. He enjoyed school and “only got into trouble once in a while,” most notably for a big snowball fight.
He left school at age 14 to help farm with his father. Three years later, his father’s health had failed so he and his older brother, Stanley took over the farm. They raised hay, wheat, oats, soy, corn, flax, and dairy cattle. In their spare time, they did custom work such as baling, combining, silo filling, and plowing for other farmers in the area.
At age 21, Don enlisted in the National Guard. He did Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and artillery training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He enjoyed the Guard and the companionship of the other guys at training and at Guard events. Don trained on the big 155 mm gun that is seen along Highway 75 in Madison, MN and on the 8 inch gun.
Don liked “horsing” around with his brothers and his buddies. In winter when the slough froze, they took a Model T with chains out on the ice and pulled a car hood sled on a rope, whipping around at 70 miles per hour! Another time, they rigged a hose up into the haymow and sprayed the other guys when they went up to stack bales. Don loved milking cows, farming, hunting deer and pheasant with his brothers and friends, playing cards, and loved to enjoy a sweet treat.
He is survived by his brothers, Allan (JoAnn) Clausen of Madison and Larry (Rachel) Clausen of Glencoe; sister-in-law, Judy Clausen of Montevideo, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Stanley; and sisters, Linda and Nancy.