Donald Elvin Clasen

Don Clasen passed away Monday, February 6th, 2017 at the age of 85. Don was born on November 21, 1931 in Lake Mills, Iowa to Carl and Theresa (Wangsness) Clasen.  He was the 7th of 11 children and attended the local school until the 8th grade, later earning his GED. From a very young age Don had the ambition to learn and work, his first job being a helper on his aunt and uncle's farm.  He had numerous jobs as a young man, and it was while he was building corn cribs for area farmers that he met Arlene Florence Mathson. They were united in marriage on June 24, 1951 in Algona, Iowa.  To this marriage 6 children were born, Dennis, Colleen, Robert, Lori, Nancy and Kerri.  They eventually bought their first new home in Columbia Heights, MN, in 1959. He joined the volunteer fire department, which led to a career as a firefighter in the onsite department at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant.  He worked his way up the ladder, becoming the Assistant Chief. Although they were busy raising their family, they spent many weekends at their cabin in McGregor. He always said some day he wanted a hobby farm and to get out of the cities, so in 1973, they purchased a 40 acre hobby farm southeast of town, and he continued to commute to the Twin Cities until he retired.  In 1988, they purchased a home in town, and shortly thereafter became Texas snowbirds for 15 years which allowed them to spend time and make memories with his siblings.Don wore many hats throughout his lifetime—Husband (65 years), Dad and Grandpa being the most important ones to him.  He was a hard worker and supported his family in everything they did and all of the choices they made.He had many hobbies throughout his lifetime including hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, antique/classic cars and camping. He learned the craft of stained glass and made many pieces for his family.  He never met a crossword puzzle that he couldn't complete. When he took up golf in his late 60s, he enjoyed it so much that he never put the clubs down until health reasons demanded it. Even so, he still enjoyed daily trips to the country club for coffee and to socialize. Although his physical presence will be greatly missed by everyone, his love and support will still be felt by all that loved him.  His family was all the better for having him in it.Donald is survived by his wife Arlene, children: Dennis Clasen of St. Cloud, Colleen (Mark) Daniels of Lakeville, Robert (Mary) Clasen of Princeton, Lori (Steve) Fedder of Pine City, Nancy (Lonny) Lucht of Pine City, Kerri Schumacher of Lakeville. Grandchildren: Shannon (Brent) Tilley; Angelene (Alwynn) Gilgen; Dustin (Anna) Bombard; Carrie (Brian) Ellingson; Joe (Michaela) Daniels; Sarah (Michael ) Telander; Stephanie Fedder; Kellie (Sean) Geisler; Cory (Lindsey) Fedder; Tracy (Ryan) Lautt; Casey Lucht; Sully Lucht; Brady Schumacher; Gabriella Schumacher; and 24 Great-grandchildren. 3 sisters: Ina (Jerry) Maxwell; Hazel Koll; Marlene (Ray) Prohaska. 3 brothers: Mahlon (Fay) Clasen; James (Georgene) Clasen; David Clasen. 2 sisters-in-law: Gerry Clasen; Virginia Mathson. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Theresa Clasen, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Oliver and Florence Mathson. 2 sisters: Ruby Hittesdorf; DeEtta Hauge. 2 brothers: Roland Clasen; Robert Clasen. 3 brothers-in-law: Magnus Hittesdorf; Arthur “Red” Hauge; Roman Koll; Melvin Mathson. 3 sisters-in-law: Arlene Clasen; LuraMae Clasen; Leneve Clasen. Step-granddaughter and step-great-grandaughter: Sally Walberg and Brooklyn Marie Quam. Great-granddaughter: Alivia Lautt.Pastor Fred Hanson will officiate funeral services for Donald at 4 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City.  A time of visitation is planned for one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com