Richard William Clausnitzer

Richard (Rex) Clausnitzer, born January 24, 1915 passed peacefully on October 7, 2010. Rex was one of ten children born to Alfred and Hulda Clausnitzer in a sod house in Otter Creek, North Dakota. Farming his homestead until 1924, Alfred moved the family to Bismark, ND where he was employed by the A.W. Lucas Company. Hulda worked odd jobs during the depression years. Rex worked odd jobs as farm laborer and wood worker, making good on the German translation of Klauschnitzer (schnitzer is a wood worker). Taking advantage of FDR’s new domestic programs, Rex joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) and served in Montana and Idaho during the time frame of 1935-38. In 1939 he joined the North Dakota National Guard.

At the outbreak of WWII, the unit was activated to support the war efforts in Europe. Rex served in an artillery unit in North Africa, Italy, and France. He received the European-African-Middle East Ribbon, American Defense Medal, and Good Conduct Medal as well as awarded the Purple Heart. Wounded in the European theater, he spent the last year of the war in recovery and rehabilitation in Texas and Washington. It was at this time that he married Hilda Baumiller, his loving wife of 65 years.

The new family settled in Western Washington where Rex worked as a bus driver. Their first child, Sharon, was born June 18, 1946. Rodrick was born March 10, 1948. After moving to Yakima, where Rex was employed at the Hanford Nuclear Facility, Ronald was born June 9, 1949. The family moved back to North Dakota where Darwin was born September 16, 1950. Rex was employed as a carpenter and deliveryman for Lucas Company. Hilda was busy raising four children. Tired of the North Dakota winters, Rex and Hilda moved the family to Puyallup, Washington in 1953.

They settled at the family home on 14th Street. Rex found employment at St. Regis Pulp and Paper Co. where he continued until his retirement in 1978. During these years, additions to the family came May 17, 1954 with the birth of Lonnie and May 16, 1955 with Arvellia’s arrival. Rex enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting with the family. Later in life, golf became his number one recreational pursuit.

His six children, fifteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren brought great joy into his life during retirement years. These included children and their spouses: Sharon and Wayne Engle, Rod and Claudia Clausnitzer, Ron and Barbara Clausnitzer, Darwin and Linda Clausnitzer, Lonnie and Debbie Clausnitzer, Arvellia and Mike O’Keefe. Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Quinn and James Wise with Keegan, Brandon, Aden and Payton; Aleigha Lawfer; Ryan Clausnitzer; Emmy Clausnitzer; Benjamin and Lisa Clausnitzer; Joel and Jessica Clausnitzer with Dane and Chloe; Travis and Erica Clausnitzer; Kelly and Rico Beniga with Ethan and Erin; Jarrett Clausnitzer; Christian and Rochelle Clausnitzer; Rebecca and Keavon Anbardan; Nicholas Clausnitzer; Justin and Lea O’Keefe with Remington and Dakota; Joshua O’Keefe and Christina Petrole with Isabella; and Mikelle O’Keefe.

Rex is preceded in death by father Alfred, mother Hulda, brothers Harold and Al, sister Linda, and daughter-in-law Barbara. Surviving sisters include Grace and Viola, and brothers Helmuth, Edwin, Le Roy, and Wilbert.

The family will remember and miss his ready smile, his wit, charm, and love for the family