Richard "Dick" Clauson

Richard “Dick” Clauson, 82, of Lansing died Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, March 14 at United Methodist Church in Lansing with Rev. Sedar Shako Wembonyana as the officiant. Inurnment will be held at a later date at River Valley Memorial Gardens in West Dundee, IL.

Dick was born February 26, 1938 to Walter and Dorothy (Wright) Clauson in Strawberry Point. He graduated from Strawberry Point High School and attended University of Iowa Business School. Dick was proud to say he played in the 1959 Rose Bowl. He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force, piloting cargo planes.

Dick was united in marriage with Ruth Viette Englehorn July 26, 1959 at United Methodist Church in Lansing. Dick worked for American Airlines as a pilot from 1960 to 1995. After retirement, he lived in Carpentersville, IL, Lansing and Hawaii. He enjoyed golfing and watching sports and was known as a jokester.

Dick was a member of the Owls Club and a founding member of the Zion Lutheran Church, both in Carpentersville, IL. He was currently a member of the United Methodist Church in Lansing.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Dawn Anderson of Oquawka, IL; three grandchildren, Jennifer Greer, William “Billy” Allen and Jaclyn (Jacob) Jones, all of Oquawka, IL; and six great-grandchildren, Drake Greer, Brooklyn and Braxton Allen, Bentley and Riley Jones and Grayson Shryack.

Preceding Dick in death were his wife, Ruth; his son, Mark Clauson; his parents, Walter and Dorothy Clauson; and his grandmother that raised him, Oleana Clauson.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.