Charles Theodore Clasen III M.D.

1972 - 2021

Dr. Charles Theodore Clasen III was called home on November 19, 2021. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 17, 1972, and lived along the Mississippi River in Algiers with his beautiful family. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Dr. Stacey Clasen, two Daughters, Katelyn and Emma, his parents, Capt. And Mrs. Charles T. Clasen II (Cindy), a brother Capt. Craig Clasen (Susan), a grandmother, Mrs. Tish Rantz, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Capt. And Mrs. William G. Clasen (Myrt), and Mr. Edward F. Rantz. Dr. Clasen was a graduate of Isidore Newman School, and Rice University (Max F. Roy scholarship), where he majored in Biology. After completing post-graduate studies in cell and molecular biology at the University of New Orleans, he attended Louisiana State University School of Medicine, where he graduated with highest honors. During his residency, Dr. Clasen completed general and trauma surgery training as well as a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Louisiana State University, where he graduated at the top of his class. He then matched at the prestigious Scottish Rite University of Texas Southwestern Parkland Hospital in Dallas, and completed a fellowship in Pediatric and Adult Hand and Upper Extremity Reconstruction. Dr. Clasen then joined the Gulf South's largest hand and upper extremity practice, the Hand Center of Louisiana, where he has been a pillar of its existence for 16 years. He is Board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and holds a special certificate of added qualifications in Surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity. Dr. Clasen has served as Louisiana State University's Director of Hand Education for its Orthopedic Surgery and Plastic Surgery programs. He was a past Chairman of the Hand Division at LCMC in Metairie, and is the current Chairman of the Hand Division at both Omega Hospital and East Jefferson Ambulatory Surgery Center. Among Dr. Clasen's numerous and notable accomplishments, he received the Aesculapian Society Teaching Award, and the Urban Maes Award in Surgery. He performed extensive research for the National Cancer Institute as well as the National Science Foundation, and was a respected member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand with multiple contributions. Dr. Clasen has treated thousands of patients throughout his career, helping so many lead a more productive life. A devoted family man, Charlie treasured the many trips, adventures, and moments spent with his wife and daughters. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, shooting, fishing, diving, spearfishing, sailing and aviation. Charlie delighted family and friends with his culinary skills, his knowledge of wine, and his musical talent as a guitarist. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and seemed to have at the very least a basic understanding of nearly every subject. Charlie lived his life intentionally as a student, always learning, always improving, always growing. Dr. Clasen's good nature, sharp wit, and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. On Saturday December 4th, 2021, at 2pm, a service will be held in his honor at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Algiers, where he was a member. A memorial recognition event, hosted by Hand Surgical Associates, will be held at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, December 2nd, from 10:00am to 12:00pm for all of those whose life he has touched. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, or a charity of your choosing.