William J. Clauser

1919 - 2013

William J. Clauser November 16, 1919 - September 28, 2013 Born to Anna Swoboda and John Clauser in Garnett, Kansas, Bill was the eighth of nine children and the last surviving sibling. He passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. He will always be remembered as a devoted and loving husband and father. As a WWII veteran, Bill joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1945. Bill graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California in 1949 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was crazy for his USC Trojans, and for 16 years he did not miss a home game at the Coliseum. He spent his entire career with Mobil Oil, retiring in 1984 as Joint Interest Manager after 35 years in Denver, CO. It was upon retirement that Bill was able to really pursue his lifelong passion of flying. He purchased his Cherokee Archer and logged thousands of hours. He was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen and the United Flying Octogenarians. He flew his plane until the age of 87. Bill is survived by his beautiful wife of 53 years, Jackie; daughter, Aletha Mika; sons, Douglas Clauser and William Clauser; five grandchildren, Stephen Erickson, Kristopher Mika, Brandon Clauser, Cameron Clauser, and Ericka Clauser; and his dearly loved puppy, Mandy. May you always have blue skies and tail winds, Dad. A service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation prior to the service at 1:30 p.m., at St. Philip the Apostle, 7100 Stockdale Hwy. Burial will be held on Friday, October 5, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Lane.In lieu of flowers, Bill's family is requesting donations be made to WW II Honor Flight Kern County, 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite M-10, Box 255, Bakersfield, CA 93311. For condolences please visit www.greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com. Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest www.bakersfield.com/obits