John Fredrick Clausen

Born on July 9, 1930, in Temple, Oklahoma, to Chester A. and Beulah M. Clausen, John was the younger brother of James. His early years were spent in various small towns across southern Oklahoma as the family followed his father's work with the U.S. Government. They eventually settled back in Temple, where John graduated as valedictorian of his high school class.

John proudly served in the Oklahoma National Guard as a member of the U.S. Army’s 45th Infantry Division. After completing his military service, he pursued a degree in animal husbandry from Kansas State University, leading to a position with Merck Pharmaceuticals in the veterinary medicine division.

John met the love of his life, Sally C. Gravelle, in Oklahoma City. They were married in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on April 2, 1961. After the birth of their first child, John continued his education, earning a Master of Science in Geological Sciences and a teaching certificate from the University of Oklahoma. His quick wit and natural talent for education were recognized early on. He was the science teacher of the year for Oklahoma. He was teacher of the year many times and was honored as the first recipient of Putnam City’s esteemed Golden Apple Award.

John found joy in scouting and spending time in the great outdoors. As a ninth-grade Earth Science teacher, he took pleasure in teaching and often used the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop to teach merit badge classes in geology while backpacking across Colorado in the summer.

His dedication to teaching extended beyond the classroom and into his church, where he faithfully served as a deacon and led a men's Sunday school class for many years. John’s teaching was always rooted in the values of faith, hope, and love, and his kindness and wisdom touched the lives of all who knew him.

John will be laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sally Clausen, their children, Mark Clausen (Sally) and Karen Land, his grandchildren, Jonathan Land (Jennifer), Jennifer Oubre (Joël), and Jacob Land (Sally), and his great-granddaughter, Jolie. John’s gentle spirit and loving presence will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Quail Springs Baptist Church on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 11:30 a.m

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6