Kenneth Clausen died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, August 25 at the age of 96 1/2. He was born on February 13, 1928 to the late Christ and Amelia (nee: Anderson) Clausen. He will be dearly missed by his daughters, Debra S. Truckey, Patti (Russell) Barr, son, Scott (Andi) Clausen and daughter, Sue E. (Thomas) Kohler; grandchildren Nicholas Truckey, Christopher Clausen, Megan Cooper and Alex Simson (Laura); great grandchildren, Isabelle Truckey, Maxwell and Apple Cooper, Harper and Arden Simson.

Survivors also include nephews, Randy (Connie) and Kelly Clausen, Sandy (Rod) Duffek, Robert (Janice) Meekma, Lynn (Frank) Romano and James Arndt. He will also be deeply missed by his lifelong friend Bill Johnson and his children Jeff, Randy, Lynn and Karen.

A December graduate of Washington Park High School, he enrolled in the Navy after his 18th birthday in 1946. While in the Navy, he toured much of the world and taught himself how to play the harmonica. When he got out of the Navy, he and several buddies bought a 65 foot sailboat called the Idler. He sailed across Lake Michigan and met the love of his life in Saginaw Michigan. Donita J. Yost and Ken were married on August 23, 1952. He began his journeyman for carpentry under the leadership of Otto Andersen. He spent the rest of his life as a carpenter contractor, often saying he never felt he worked a day in his life. He retired from Korndorfer Construction in 1992. An outstanding bowler, he was inducted into Racine's Bowling Hall of Fame in 1997. Many will remember him most for fishing for anything, on Lake Michigan for perch, inland lakes for blue gills, crappies, perch, walleyes or northern pike.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doni; brothers, Raymond and Gilbert, and sister, Sally; his brother-in-law and business partner, Robert Meekma and nephew Danny Clausen.

Service Details

A private interment will be held on October 1, 2024.