Charles David "Chuck" Clausen

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Michigan State University Wayne State University

Charles Clausen Obituary

Charles D. "Chuck" Clausen Okemos Age 68, passed away Wednesday November 25, 2009, in the loving company of his family. Chuck was born in Lansing, MI, and raised as the youngest of four children by parents Russ and Elsie. The family later moved to nearby Okemos where Chuck excelled in athletics, quarterbacking the Chieftain football team. Chuck served in the U.S. Army and graduated from Michigan State University in 1964. He completed his education by earning a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University in 1968. Chuck spent much of his career as a tax attorney, first working for the IRS and later countering for clients. He also appreciated his time in academia as a professor of tax law at Cooley Law School in Lansing. Known to many of his friends as "Charlie", he was a fiercely loyal Spartan who enjoyed his many associations with great Spartan football figures, including the late Duffy Daugherty. Above all, he was an enthusiast of sports and its many facets; coaching, competition, camaraderie, and sacrifice. All friends enjoyed his timely sense of humor, ready-fire jokes, and jolly disposition, yet it was his compassion and understanding that endeared him to so many. Chuck lived life not to get, but to give, and often championed those less fortunate. He was a loving husband and father, comedian, life-long coach, loyal friend to many, a kindhearted soul, a great human. God bless him. Charles David Clausen is survived by his former wife, Mary of Okemos, MI; sons, Gregg of Scottsdale, AZ, and Eric (Nicole) of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Kate and Ben; sister, Constance of Fresh Meadows, NY; brother, John (Yolanda) of Lakewood, CO; and several nieces and nephews. He will be reunited with his parents, Charles Russell and Elsie, and his oldest brother, Richard "Dick". Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with Pastor Jeanne Randels officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday. Memorial contributions are suggested to the M.S.U. Foundation.

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Nov. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Clausen

14 Entries

Peter DeRose

December 8, 2009

To Mary and the boys, my most sincere and herartfelt condolences to you. I just learned of Charlie's passing. I am glad to know you were with him and I hope it was peaceful and painless. I remember once being at the house and Erik said to me "...my dad is a jack of all trades..." Erik-you were more right than you know. Besides the obvious, Chuck was an icon to all his former students and was not a "jack" but the king in how he responded to people. I would have been at the service if I had only known. He will be greatly missed because he was respected and loved by many. I am proud to have called him my professor, mentor, colleague, law partner, but most importantly my friend. May God bless Charlie and grant him eternal peace.

December 4, 2009

Condolences from Art And Judy(Hulkonen) Reese, Classmates from Okemos High School. We have fond memories of Chuck. His wit and sense of humor always made us laugh. Judy fondly remembers his endless good natured teasing in High School.
Art especially enjoyed the chance
for a long visit with him at the 50th Reunion this past summer. Our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends who mourn his loss. Art and Judy Reese

December 2, 2009

Chuck touched many lives, but those of us from Okemos High School will miss his humor and mischevious ways. God Bless Mary and the family members - you have our deepest sympathy. Bob and Elaine Stetler

Shep Richard

December 2, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Chuck's family and Mary. Remember everything that warms your heart and puts a smile on your face. God Bless You.

December 2, 2009

I was a classmate and graduated with Chuck. I remember a tall, thin, witty, very popular guy. One memory in particular stays with me; he and a friend visited me one day. We stood outside in the garage at my home in Forest Hills, Okemos, bantering and challenging each other. They were trying to convince me to date a friend of theirs. Chuck was intimidating in a warm way and I still remember him with that warmth.

I am so sorry for the void that is now in your life. May your sorrow soon turn to warm and sweet memories of this man.
Charmaine Loudenslger Johnson

Bonnie (Seeley) Miller

November 30, 2009

I'm sorry for your lose, my deepest shypathy goes out to the family and pray you find peace.

Mary Woods

November 30, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories being you comfort.

Terry Marzen

November 29, 2009

Offering our deepest sympathy to Chuck's family, we pray they find peace knowing he is in a better place. God Bless the family.
Terry and Betty Marzen

Fred Buehler

November 29, 2009

Many will miss you and wish they could say
If only more time they would pray
You have such a void that cannot be filled
Thanks for your friendship and help you have lent and for the time you have spent.....save me a spot if you will?

Margy Scott (Oja)

November 29, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the family and Mary, from your former classmate...Margy

November 29, 2009

With deepest sympathy to the Clausen family
Diane Kelty Welch ,OHS '59

November 29, 2009

Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Bev & Gary

November 29, 2009

THANK YOU FOR FIGHTING FOR OUR COUNTRY SHARON HENSLEY

Spike

November 29, 2009

He was a fun guy who will be missed.