Vern W. Clausen

Vern Rusty W. Clausen, 83, of Mason City, died Saturday, February 26, 2011, at his home. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Graveside services will be held 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Kathy Graves of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Everyone is invited to join the family for a time of lunch and fellowship at the Willow Run, 2821 4th St. S.W., following the committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rusty Clausen Memorial Fund in care of the family.
Vern was born July 16, 1927, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of William and Rose (Fencl) Clausen. He graduated Mason City High School in 1945 before attending Mason City Junior College. He enlisted in the Army in September of 1946 where he earned the Army of Occupation Medal in Japan and the World War II Victory Medal. When he returned, Vern earned a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Drake University. He was married to Terry Torgeson in 1954 in Sioux Falls, SD, and to this union came seven children. Vern was a member of the VFW and enjoyed listening to Vikings and Twins games on the radio and watching NASCAR races on TV following retirement. He will always be remembered as being a great carpenter and a great friend to his friends and family at the Willow Run, where everyone knew his name.
Vern is survived by his children, Jodie (Brad) Harrigle of Manitowoc, WI, Ginger Clausen of Mason City, Brenda Clausen of Hampton, IA, Mindy Brunner of Mason City, Denise Diraimo of Williamsburg, VA, Bill (Teresa) Clausen of Mason City, Tracy (Victor) Melhus of Mason City; grandchildren, Spencer and Felicia Clausen, Shawna (Jake) Frank, Aaron Miller, Keela Clausen, Jason Jay Clausen, Ryan and Amanda Pobiak; three great-grandchildren, Azek and Ezra Frank, Ava Clausen; former wife, Terry Beavers of Mason City; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents; two brothers, Dale and Paul Clausen.

Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rusty Clausen Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Cemetery:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Visitation:
A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Service:
Graveside services will be held 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Kathy Graves of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.