Rev. Mary Joan "Fosnaught" Clauser

Mary Joan (Fosnaught) Clauser, age 89, a current Shakopee, MN resident, formerly of Springfield, MO, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Emerald Crest in Shakopee.

Mary, the daughter of Howard and Mildred (Knaup) Fosnaught, was born on June 25, 1936, in Owosso, MI. In 1945, she and her younger sister moved with their parents to Marion, MI where their father became the area funeral director. Their mother assisted him and was also a piano teacher and the local Methodist church's organist/choir director. Mary loved music, singing, and playing piano and flute from a young age. She continued sharing her musical gifts well into her 80s.

Mary graduated from Marion High School as the class valedictorian in 1954. Wanting a life dedicated to helping others, she continued her education at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, earning a BSN degree in 1959. After becoming a Registered Nurse, Mary used her skills in a variety of settings, including at the VA Hospital in Iowa City, IA, as a college campus nurse, and as a college nursing instructor. She faithfully completed continuing education and kept her license active for 51 years, until the age of 74. Being a nurse remained a core component of Mary's identity until her death.

While at university, Mary met graduate music student Charles Clauser on a blind date. They were united in marriage in Marion, MI on August 13, 1960. Eight years later they were joined by son Kristian Clauser. A great change occurred in 1973 when Charles and Mary made Jesus the center of their lives. From then on, they prepared for ministry. From 1976-80, Mary took Bible and Music classes at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND. In 1980, they were approved by the Assemblies of God World Missions to serve in the Philippines. As a missionary, Mary found many ways to combine her love of music, nursing skills, and deep Christian faith into a unique ministry that touched countless lives. Along the way, she became a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God in 1992.

After nearly 26 years assigned to the Philippines, Mary and Charles retired in 2006 and established a home in Springfield, MO. They enjoyed connecting with many former colleagues there and built many new close friendships. They joined Central Assembly of God in Springfield, and were very involved, especially with the Senior Adult Ministry activities. They also had fun participating in the choir and orchestra of their retirement community, Maranatha Village. Mary and Charles' final move as a couple was to Emerald Crest in Shakopee, MN in 2025, where they celebrated 65 years of making beautiful music together.

Mary is survived by her husband, Charles Clauser, son Kristian (Donell) Clauser, brother-in-law William Fankhauser, nephews David Fankhauser and Greg (LeAnna) Fankhauser, and nieces Carol Lynn (Fred) Mathia, Beth (Dave) Matzke, Susan (Steve) Marrano, Karen (Ken) Watanabe, and their families.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Mildred Fosnaught, sister Ruth Ann (Fosnaught) Fankhauser, and much-loved sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara (Clauser) and Donald Walker.

A funeral service in celebration of Mary's life is planned for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM, hosted at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. E., Shakopee, MN. Viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Marion, MI, at a future date.

Livestream of the service is available at: https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServices