Nov 07, 2022

James Leslie Claussen (1926 - 2022)

Posted Nov 07, 2022 4:35 PM

Funeral Services for Jim Claussen of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, Nebraska. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, Nebraska.

James Leslie Claussen was born in the Deadhorse community in rural Chadron, at the home of his parents, Herman J and N Hazel (Grantham) Claussen. He was the sixth child of eleven.

While in high school, he helped at the Chadron Sale Barn, and continued to work on sale days for 40 years. He also was employed at Henkens Implement and Eitemiller Oil. In 1946, he took on a rural mail route and delivered mail for 52 years.

He was an active member of the Chadron Elks Lodge. He was Elk of the Year in 1971, District Deputy in 1991, the Exalted Ruler in 1976, and again in 1986.

In 1947, he married Doris I. Geister, who passed away in 1981. In 1984, he married Bonnie E. (Fuchser) Goeringer who also preceded him in death in 2012. Later, he met a special friend, Dona, and enjoyed several years with her.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all 10 siblings: two infant siblings, Charles and Helen, Ramona Durham, Claywell, Marie Vance, Hollis, Catherine Baragar, Harry, John, and Dale. Also, his stepdaughter, Sheryl Hershman and special friend, Dona Fleming preceded him in death.

He is survived by stepdaughter Susan K. Brown and step grandsons Brian (Cyndee) Hershman, and Kevin Hershman, step-great grandson Dylan (Hayley) Cruz, all of Lincoln, Nebraska, and many beloved nieces and nephews as well as many lifelong friends.

A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department or Chadron Senior Center and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO BOX 970, CHADRON, NE 69337.