Clifford "Cliff" Clausen

Clifford Clausen, age 92, of Fergus Falls, MN (formerly of Deer Creek, MN), passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the Minnesota Veterans Home, joining his beloved wife Lois in eternal rest. A memorial service will be held on September 24th, 2025 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls at 2:00 P.M.

Clifford was born on July 16, 1935, to Clifford and Gladys (Haugen) Clausen of Lily, South Dakota. He grew up in the Lily area and attended Lily High School, graduating in 1953. He then attended N. Teachers College, Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he got his bachelor’s degree and received his master’s degree from South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota.

On October 20, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lois Clarene Bjerke at Our Savior Lutheran Church in rural Lily, South Dakota. Their marriage of more than 62 years was blessed with two children, Steve and Susan.

Clifford proudly served his country in the United States Army while he and Lois made their first home in Tennessee. After his honorable discharge, he returned to South Dakota. Cliff began a long teaching career in the towns of Langford, SD, Sisseton, SD, Howard Lake, MN, Dickinson, ND, Detroit Lakes, MN, Fergus Falls, MN, and ended his educational career at Deer Creek, MN as High School Principal.

In later years, Clifford and Lois moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, where they owned and operated The Village Resort on Lake Melissa, creating many cherished memories with guests, friends, and family. In the fall of 1983, they made their permanent home in Deer Creek, MN, where they enjoyed a quieter life surrounded by community and family. Cliff retired in 1995.

His hobbies and interests included fishing, golfing, and watching the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers. Above all, Clifford was devoted to his family. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was deeply proud of each of them.

Clifford is survived by his daughter, Susan Clausen of Ottertail; grandchildren: Tiffany, Dustin, and Michael; great-grandchildren: Daisy, Devon, Lexy, Talen, Isaiah, Gabby, and Michael Jr.; sister-in-law, Marlys Clausen of Webster, SD; brothers-in-law, Clifford (Sharol) Bjerke of Rapid City, SD and Wesley (Linda) Bjerke of Rapid City, SD; nephew Garry (Audrey) Clausen of Chino Valley, AZ; as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Clifford & Gladys; beloved wife Lois; son, Steve Clausen; father and mother-in-law, Gunder and Ida (Stromsness) Bjerke; grandson, Tyler; brother David; brothers-in-law, Glen and Gene Bjerke; nephew, Kevin Clausen; and many dear friends gone before him.

Clifford leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and love of family that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family of Cliff would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls for the care, compassion, and camaraderie they showed Cliff.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to the recreational fund at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

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