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Howard Claussen Obituary

Howard John Claussen

AGE: 81 • Wilmington

Howard John Claussen, age 81, fell into the arms of Jesus on January 8, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1933. Howard married Dorcas (Tabby) Moeller, his cherished wife of 60 years on August 29, 1954. Thereafter, Howard graduated from Valparaiso University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. His professional career spanned 39 years with the DuPont Company. Howard's various postings in technical, manufacturing, marketing, and business management, included his start in Indiana, moving forward to Delaware, Boston, New Jersey, Mexico City, and London, England. The final stretch of his career, brought Howard back to Wilmington, Delaware until his retirement in 1994.

Following retirement, Howard was a dedicated and influential member of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors from 1991-2009 and the VU College of Engineering Council from 2010-2012. In 1984, he was recognized with the distinguished Alumnus Award, and in 2009 he was named as one of the top 150 most influential Valpo alumni. He was also a member of the Board of Regents at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, as well as serving on the board for Intrust Center for Theological Schools.

Most importantly, Howard loved the Lord Jesus and served Him throughout his life. He dedicated himself to congregational leadership in the Lutheran Church and to community service wherever he lived. Most recently his church home was Concordia Lutheran Church in Wilmington, DE. He gave generously of both his time and his treasure to many organizations including Meals on Wheels, Orphan Grain Train, he was a medical driver for LCS, and a volunteer at the Hagley Museum.

Howard was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather. Although family members are separated by miles, he established a gathering spot in Waupaca, WI. Fondly known as Opa's Place, it was a favorite family location for annual celebrations. He is survived by his beloved wife Tabby, and their four children, Debbie Viviani, Becky (Jim) Wulliman, Steve (Lisa) Claussen, and Dorcey (Bob) Bartholomew. He is also survived by his brother Don (Heather) Claussen, and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00am at Concordia Lutheran Church, 3003 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810. The family will receive friends from 10-11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church (The Family Ministry Fund) or Valparaiso University at www.support.valpo.edu.

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life," from Revelation

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Published by The News Journal from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Jim & Rene Grady

January 13, 2015

I worked for Howard in Boston;he was one of the finest guys I worked with over the years.We had many happy times with he & Tabby. Our prayers are with Tabby & her family.

Jim & Rene Grady

Rosemarie H. Nicholl

January 14, 2015

Dear Tabby,
It is with sadness that I offer my sincere sympathy to you and your family. I will remember Howard for always having a smile on his face. he will be very much missed.

Priscilla Rakestraw

January 16, 2015

Those Republican meetings in Newark at the Claussen home were many years ago....but I remember them well. Howie gave me my start in Republican politics and I will always be grateful. He was a strong role model. May your wonderful memories give you comfort.

Susan Macdonald Bray

January 13, 2015

Tabby and Family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I remember my Dad and Howie sharing stories of their work as they had studied similar subjects. And always I remember Howie being such a joyful presence. What a wonderful smile and a nurturing soul. Peace be with you. Cousin Susan

January 13, 2015

Tabby and family, we are sorry to hear of Howard's passing. We loved it when we got together. I was a privilege to have known him and to call him a friend. Mark Berwick, Diane and Eddie Anderson.

David Kummer

January 13, 2015

Howard's love for Jesus and others imbued all he did. He taught me so much. What a gift he was and still is in the people he influenced! Thank you, Lord, for letting me know him!

January 13, 2015

tabby, debbie, steve, becky and dorcey, so sorry for your loss of Husband and Dad, Howie. fond, awesome memories of all of you. always remember Howie as an incredibly upbeat man of God and a blessing and encouragement to be around. he will fit in well in heaven, and i suspect he has already gotten acquainted with our Tarah. love, in the Lord, Bob Heckmann, Kim, and our ten who are still in this life.

Mary Koepke Fields

January 13, 2015

Blessings and love,
Mary Koepke Fields
John and Evelyn Koepke

January 13, 2015

Sympathy to Tabby & family from the Wright family from Rosewood Drive. God Bless.

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