Gordon Earle Clausen

Gordon Earle Clausen
September 2, 1937 - February 12, 2026
Gordon Earle Clausen, 88, passed away on February 12, 2026, at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of service, skill, athleticism, and deep devotion to his family.
Born on September 2, 1937, in Oakland, California, and baptized Roman Catholic, Gordon was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) faith, later returning to Catholicism in early adulthood. In his senior years, he also embraced many aspects of the Jewish faith, influenced in part by his brother Bryan's life in the Orthodox tradition in Israel, reflecting a lifelong curiosity and respect for spiritual teachings and heritage.
Gordon was the son of Earle Walter Clausen and Jane Avis Crosby and grew up alongside his younger brother, Bryan Lee Clausen. Following his parents' divorce, his mother remarried Francis Illum, whose service in the United States Navy meant the family relocated frequently. During his youth, Gordon lived in Oakland, California; San Lorenzo, California; Adak, Alaska; Norman, Oklahoma; Almaden, California; Seattle, Washington; and finally San Diego and La Mesa, California — experiences that instilled resilience, adaptability, appreciation for diversity, and a sense of adventure. He also spent many summers and school vacations in Bakersfield, California, with his paternal relatives, the Compagnoni family, where lifelong bonds were formed. His family later grew to include three additional siblings: Steven Francis, Susan Jane, and Kathryn Ann Illum.
Classically handsome and athletic, Gordon excelled in football, basketball, and baseball throughout high school and college. He was a talented swimmer and dancer in his youth and was known for his fearless playfulness. He loved jumping off the roof into his home swimming pool — a thrill he continued into his 70s. In his early twenties, he competed as a professional boxer, training at the famed Robles Gym in Barrio Logan. At age 41, he was selected to play in the Cop'er Bowl, a friendly law enforcement football competition between the San Diego Sheriff's Department and the San Diego Police Department. Although he was part of the team, he was injured before he could take the field, demonstrating his enduring competitive spirit.
Gordon was a gifted mechanic and lifelong "fixer." His garage, built following his "one tool each payday" rule, became of professional quality over decades as he carefully collected the tools he needed. He rebuilt numerous cars over the years, with his pride and joy being a streamliner race car, which he raced at Bonneville, Utah, and El Mirage Dry Lake, California. Beyond his own projects, he shared his knowledge with his daughters, teaching them how to maintain and perform minor repairs on their vehicles — passing on not just skills, but independence and confidence.
At 17, Gordon had intended to join the United States Marines, but fate intervened when the Marine recruiter was unavailable. Instead, he enlisted in the Navy — a twist that began a lifelong commitment to service. Following his honorable discharge, he enrolled in community college. Around that same time, he met the love of his life, Marceline Ann Mendoza. Through their marriage, Gordon embraced the Mexican culture and learned to speak Spanish, deepening his connection to Marceline's family and heritage. In his senior years, he also explored his Jewish and Sicilian heritage, which influenced his personal philosophies and outlook on life.
Gordon and Marceline's story began with a first date on Halloween, 1959. They first noticed each other outside Nicolosi's Italian Restaurant on El Cajon Boulevard, prompting one of Marceline's friends to exclaim, "There's Gordie Clausen. What a doll!" They later met again at Oscar's Drive In, where Marceline overheard Gordon ordering milk and teasingly asked, "What are you, an athlete or something?" To which Gordon replied, "Who are you?" Marceline uncharacteristically answered, "They call me the 'Spider Chick.'" Their connection was instant. A six-week courtship led to an elopement on December 20, 1959, in Winterhaven, California, followed by a formal wedding on February 13, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Orange Avenue. Together, they were blessed with three daughters: Marceline Michelle, and twin daughters Marla Marie and Margo Marie, all born in 1961, just 10 months apart. This fact earned Gordon a standing ovation in a meeting with the Tijuana, B.C. Police, much to Marceline's chagrin. Gordon cherished his roles as husband and father, protecting, guiding and supporting his family through his example of strength.
The day after their marriage, Gordon secured a job at Harrington's Appliances on 30th Street in San Diego as a deliveryman. He successfully negotiated an extra 10 cents an hour pay for also washing the delivery trucks. He later joined San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) as a meter reader before beginning what would become a distinguished 30-year career with the San Diego Police Department, being sworn in in 1964. He served the City of San Diego with honor and integrity, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike. The highlight of his career was the 14 years he served as a motorcycle officer, and he retired as a sergeant after 30 years. Committed to lifelong learning, Gordon attended school part-time (17 years) while on the force, earning his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University with honors in 1975. He was a proud SDSU Aztec for life.
Gordon's service extended beyond routine policing. On the day of the 1978 PSA 182 airline crash in San Diego, where 144 souls perished, Gordon was on active duty and served on the leadership triage team of first responders. Due to his Booster Club involvement with St. Augustine High School, he played a critical role in designating the "Saints" gym as the location for the temporary morgue, demonstrating his calm leadership and dedication to both his profession and the community in the face of tragedy.
Gordon joined the La Placa Social organization prior to it being accepted into the Latino Peace Officers Association, of which he was a founding member, remaining active until his passing. In recognition of his dedication, a scholarship program was established in his name to support the children of law enforcement professionals. He was also a longtime member of the Roadster Club and the Road Ramblers, reflecting his love of cars, community, and camaraderie.
Gordon's life spanned nearly nine decades of achievement, adventure, and love. He will be remembered for his strength of character, his sense of duty, his mechanical ingenuity, and his unwavering devotion to family and community.
Gordon was predeceased by his brother, Steven Illum, and is survived by his beloved wife, Marceline; his daughters, Marceline (Philip) Sciuto, Marla Clausen, and Margo Beamon; his brother, Bryan Clausen; and his sisters, Susan Forsyth (Mark) and Kathryn "Kate" Pobol-Illum (Christine). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Megan (Keith) Aguon, Thomas Beamon, Brandon Beamon, Daniela Kelley, Alicia Kelley, Angelina (Kevin Le) Ruiz, and Micaela (Yael Hernandez) Ruiz; as well as two great-grandchildren, Princeton and Quincy Aguon, who will carry forward his memory and spirit. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family, as well as others who lovingly called him "Uncle Gordie."
Gordon's friends and family will remember him for his larger-than-life presence, humor, fearless spirit, and zest for life. Whether racing cars, traveling through Mexico and Italy, teaching his daughters life skills, sharing stories of his athletic and "fighting crime" exploits, or serving the community with dedication, he lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy of inspiration that will endure for generations.
The family wishes to extend great gratitude to the staff at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Sharp Hospice, First Meridian Care Services, and Horizon Medical, for their compassionate support of Gordon at the end of his life on earth. The family also wishes to thank Fr. Devdas Masillamony for administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to Gordon in his last days.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Devdas on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 am, and will be preceded by an San Diego Police Department Honor Guard and the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 am at Santa Sophia Catholic Church, 4800 San Juan Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Interment and Rite of Committal will take place at Miramar National Cemetery at a later date.