Victor A. Claussen

Claussen, Victor A.
Aug. 16, 1934 - Jun. 25, 2015
Victor A. Claussen, 80, of Rotonda West, Florida, and formerly of Walled Lake and Lake Orion, Michigan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called to walk with the Lord on Thursday, June 25, 2015. He is survived by immediate family members Elaine (Okolovitch) Claussen, his wife, daughter Cristal Claussen, son Mark Claussen, daughter Allayna Schadel (Robert), and grandchildren Hope Pascoe and Benjamin Schadel.
To meet Victor was to meet a friend. He knew no strangers. His outgoing personality drew people to him with his infectious laughter, intelligence, warm sense of humor, and delight in telling a good joke.
Born in Oakland County, Michigan, to Delmer and Marjorie (St. John) Claussen, he spent all of his life in Michigan until 1994, when he moved to Rotonda West, Florida, with Elaine. Upon moving to Florida he joined the neighborhood watch association, and was a board member for six years, three of them as president. During that time he knocked on every door in Rotonda to recruit members. He was passionate about the purpose of the organization.
Victor was honored to have served in the U.S. Army. He played for many years on the Lake Orion Mens Softball League, and was also a member of the Rotonda Elks Lodge, the American Legion, St. David's Episcopal Church in Englewood, where he was an usher, a former member of the Lake Orion Lions Club, and worked with the Rotonda Boy Scouts for several years.
He loved fishing, hunting, and camping. He and Elaine covered the United States and much of Canada in their RV during retirement. Victor loved signing, especially country music, and knew the words to all the old country songs. He also loved commenting about political shenanigans, frequently calling and writing letters to politicians, and newspaper editors.
Victor finished Walled Lake High School in Michigan, completed an apprenticeship in metal model making, and pursued a degree in Industrial Management at Oakland University, and Lawrence Technological University.
Victor is also survived by his siblings Phyllis Stafford of Wixom, Michigan; Harvey Claussen (Alma) of Rotonda West, Florida; Tootie Stokes (Richard) of Riverview, Florida; brother-in-law Michael Okolovitch (Deborah) of Ortonville, Michigan; beloved nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Victor's brother Claude Claussen (Joyce) of Orange, California, predeceased him.
A military service will be held at a later date at Sarasota National Cemetery. Donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center in Sarasota in his memory at moffitt.org
Farewell sweet Victor, we know you are walking with our Lord.