“Did I ever tell you about that guy? You know, that guy that made everyone laugh, who always had a joke to tell, and always told the best stories?”
His name was Ronald H. Clausen. “Ronnie” was born on April 26, 1939 to Herbert and Evelyn (Krueger) Clausen in Mankato, MN. He was raised in the Pemberton area, where he attended school. As he was going into his senior year of high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958, where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He served until his honorable discharge in 1961.
Ronald married the love of his life, Lois (Brandvold) on July 9, 1960, at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church in New Richland. “Smartest thing I’ve ever done” he would say. The couple was blessed with 54 years of marriage. “Love Ya Much,” one Clausen would say to the other. This saying was eventually carried on by their children and grandchildren.
Ronald started his working career as a truck driver, driving for Shurson Trucking, then on and off for David Worke. He drove a Belly Dump Truck for Ulland Brothers Construction for over 35 years. That lifestyle never left him, as he would sit at home and continue to talk over the CB radio to anyone that would listen. Ronald was a faithful member at LeSueur River Lutheran Church. Ronnie was a member of the American Legion, The Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners. He collected many things, from eagles, to NASCAR memorabilia, to flags. He would often go on many trips with Lois. Lois and Ronnie would do everything together, from decorating the house with Christmas lights, to traveling to lutefisk dinners.Ronald will be remembered as a strong, yet caring man that always saw the best in everything and everybody. He had a deep love and appreciation for all of his grandchildren and great-grandson, Apollo, and cherished every moment that he spent with his family.
Funeral service times are still pending. Please check the funeral home Web site at www.bonnerupfuneralservice.com for a final funeral date and time.
Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents, Herbert and Evelyn; step-mother, Violet Beavens-Clausen; son, Daryl Clausen; a brother, Doug Clausen, and a sister-in-law, Lorraine Clausen.
He is survived by his daughter, Kyndra Rein; grandchildren, Callie Clausen, Alex Rein, and Hailie Clausen; great-grandson, Apollo Robledo-Clausen; Callie and Hailie’s mother, Patti Clausen; siblings, Sharon (Royce) Doering, and David Clausen, a sister-in-law, Barb Clausen, as well as many other relatives and friends.
“That’s a big 10-4 good buddy. This is “Red Streak” signing off.”
Blessed be his memory…