CSM (Ret) Alfred Basil Clausen

Alfred B. “Fritz” Clausen, son of the late Alfred and Doris Opal (Beum) Clausen, was born August 11, 1926 in Tekamah, Nebraska. He passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2011 in the Harry Truman Veterans Hospital of Columbia, Missouri having attained the age of 85 years, 3 months and 4 days. Fritz, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up in Nebraska and graduated from high school. On November 13, 1943, Fritz enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement on January 31, 1975 after more than 30 years of service. He had attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: the WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Overseas Service Bars (8), Vietnam Campaign Medal with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Good Conduct Medal (8th award), Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, along with several other awards and commendations. On July 17, 1946, Fritz was united in marriage to Norma Claire Hendricksen in Maryville, Kansas. They shared over 60 years of marriage together and were blessed with seven children: Matthew, Mark, Leslie, Tamara, Michael, Wendy and Christy. After Fritz retired from the military, he began working for Greyhound Bus Lines and retired in 1990 after 15 years of service. In his spare time, Fritz loved watching and cheering for his favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed woodworking and riding horses. He was a member of the American Legion of Dixon, Ozark Memorial FVW Post 3176 of St. Robert and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49 of Crocker. Most importantly, he cherished those times spent with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Fritz leaves to cherish his memory four children: Matthew Clausen of Dixon, Mark Clausen of Lawton, OK, Leslie Clausen Gonzales (Lynn) of Las Vegas, NV and Tamara Miller (Charlie) of Versailles; three sisters: Verah Lallman (August) of Fremont, NE, Harriet Litel of Hopkins, MN and Nada Shadonix (Dale) of Ottumwa, IA; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Fritz was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; one son: Michael Scott Clausen I; two daughters: Wendy Falk and Christy Krock; two grandchildren: Amy and Jamie; three sisters: Elizabeth Knight, Waletta Elske and Gene Thompson; two brothers-in-law: Oren Knight and Samuel Thompson; one daughter-in-law: Janet Clausen and two sons-in-law: Walter Williams and Henry Falk. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with Chaplain (MAJ) Chuck Searl officiating. Several friends and family members recalled their wonderful memories of Fritz. Pianist Tom Shadonix accompanied the congregation as they sang “In the Garden”, “Life’s Railway to Heaven”, “Softly and Tenderly” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Tom Shadonix and Lily Greenwood played “Ashokan Farewell”, a favorite song of Fritz’s, as a violin duet. Serving as escorts were Matt, Mark and Michael Clausen, Tom, Bill and Jason Shadonix, Lynn Gonzales, Charlie and Jonathan Miller, Ryan and Austin Williams, Todd Lay and Gordon Fox. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Bagpiper Chuck Rhodes played “Amazing Grace” and “Going Home”. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Alfred Clausen and may be left at the funeral home.

CSM (Ret) Alfred Basil Clausen

August 11, 1926 - November 15, 2011