Robert Clausen, a longtime resident of Novato, passed away peacefully on December 26th, shortly after sharing a joyful holiday season with his family.
Born in Blairstown, Iowa, to LeRoy and Wilma Clausen. Robert was the middle sibling to older sister Judy (Sandler) and younger brother Don. Robert was a natural athlete in his youth. He attended Jefferson High School, where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and football, and subsequently competed at Coe College. His love for competition continued in Iowa, where he became a semi-pro bowler before setting his sights West and moving to California.
An ambitious student and professional, Robert was accepted to the MBA program at Golden Gate University and began a corporate career with Del Monte Foods. However, his life truly took shape when he met Annie Vivaldo. The couple moved to Novato in 1978 and were married on January 21, 1979, right inside the home where they would spend the next 40+ years building a life together.
Robert and Annie raised their two daughters, Lesley and Liz, in that Novato home. It was a labor of love; Robert and Annie spent years renovating the property, rebuilding the yards, the pool, and the interiors with their own hands. This hands-on experience sparked a career shift in the early 1990s, when Robert left corporate America to buy into a local cabinet shop. He found his true passion in woodworking, crafting custom projects across the county and beyond.
Robert retired from the woodshop in 2020. He and Annie moved into a beautiful new townhome to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. In his final years, Robert enjoyed the simple pleasures of reading, walking the dog, and cheering on the Golden State Valkyries.
Robert is survived by his wife, Annie, daughters, Lesley Parsons (son-in-law Fred Parsons) and Liz Clausen (daughter-in-law Sani Post), grandchildren Wyatt and Ryleigh Parsons, sister Judy Sandler, and sister-in-law Pat Clausen.
He leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and passion.
Born in Blairstown, Iowa, to LeRoy and Wilma Clausen. Robert was the middle sibling to older sister Judy (Sandler) and younger brother Don. Robert was a natural athlete in his youth. He attended Jefferson High School, where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and football, and subsequently competed at Coe College. His love for competition continued in Iowa, where he became a semi-pro bowler before setting his sights West and moving to California.
An ambitious student and professional, Robert was accepted to the MBA program at Golden Gate University and began a corporate career with Del Monte Foods. However, his life truly took shape when he met Annie Vivaldo. The couple moved to Novato in 1978 and were married on January 21, 1979, right inside the home where they would spend the next 40+ years building a life together.
Robert and Annie raised their two daughters, Lesley and Liz, in that Novato home. It was a labor of love; Robert and Annie spent years renovating the property, rebuilding the yards, the pool, and the interiors with their own hands. This hands-on experience sparked a career shift in the early 1990s, when Robert left corporate America to buy into a local cabinet shop. He found his true passion in woodworking, crafting custom projects across the county and beyond.
Robert retired from the woodshop in 2020. He and Annie moved into a beautiful new townhome to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. In his final years, Robert enjoyed the simple pleasures of reading, walking the dog, and cheering on the Golden State Valkyries.
Robert is survived by his wife, Annie, daughters, Lesley Parsons (son-in-law Fred Parsons) and Liz Clausen (daughter-in-law Sani Post), grandchildren Wyatt and Ryleigh Parsons, sister Judy Sandler, and sister-in-law Pat Clausen.
He leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and passion.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Clausen, please visit our flower store.
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