Donald Clausen

Donald F. Clausen was born on June 21, 1922 in Spink County, South Dakota to the late Otto and Esther Clausen. He passed away on April 30, 2015 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was raised on a farm west of Turton, South Dakota. He attended country school for 8 years. Then went to high school in Brentford and graduated in 1940. He attended a trade school in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Upon completing his education he went to work at Hub City Iron which at that time was making pants for the war effort. He was drafted into the Army in November of 1943. He served in Europe, and was discharged on January 14, 1946. Don and Anna Mae Marlett were married on March 10, 1943. To this union was born three sons, Douglas, Gary and Duane. They lived on a farm east of Ashton for 14 years before moving into Ashton when he was appointed Rural Letter Carrier for the Ashton Route. It was later increased to include the Athol Route. He carried the mail for 30 years. After retiring they spent six months of the year in Rockport, Texas, Where they enjoyed fishing, square dancing and going to country music shows in the surrounding towns. Don enjoyed baseball, golfing, slow pitch, bowling, water skiing, hunting, fishing, snow mobiling, playing pool and square dancing for over 50 years. He was a life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member for over 50 years of the Lions Club International. He liked to sing and sang in the choir in church. He also sang in a quartette that sang at funerals. He played the accordion and mouth organ. Don taught square dancing and also called for square dances both in South Dakota and Texas. He loved his grandkids and great grandkids and they loved him. They enjoyed his whisker rubs. He leaves to mourn his wife and best friend of 72 years; his sons, Douglas and Duane; 10 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gary; two brothers, Allen and Arnold; sister, Evelyn and many aunts, uncles and cousins.