Jerry Gene Clausen, 81, of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.

Jerry was born April 24, 1942 in Armstrong, IA to Emil and Doris (Siemers) Clausen. Jerry grew up in Minnesota and was a graduate of John Marshall High School. After graduation, he went on to proudly serve his country as part of the US Navy, where he worked as a machinist on sub rescue ships. After being honorably discharged, Jerry married the love of his life, Sandra Rekow on March 1, 1969. Jerry and Sandy moved to Eyota, where they raised their four beautiful children together. Jerry worked at Gauthier Industries for 40+ years and retired in 2008. He loved camping, fishing, gardening and woodworking. He created beautiful furniture, cabinets, headboards and was always working on projects for himself and his family. Jerry was able to take your idea and make something better than the original design. He enjoyed traveling and his favorite vacation was when he and Sandy traveled to Alaska. Jerry was able to go on the Honor Flight in May of 2023 and walk his granddaughter, Katelyn down the aisle in August 2023, two events that he was determined to accomplish. Jerry was strong, smart, patient and had a sharp, witty sense of humor. He was Mr. Fix-it, a great teacher and always put his family first.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandy; children, Christy (Craig) Abraham, Kari (Mike) Turk, Amy Boettcher, Jerad Clausen; six grandchildren, Katelyn (Ethan) Monahan, Emily and Morgan Boettcher, Ashley and Paige Abraham, Dyllan Merchlewitz; one great-granddaughter, Ava Monahan and a great grandchild on the way. Jerry is also survived by his sisters, Audrey (Dan) Mueller, Donna (Cliff) Svoboda, Myra (Roger) Jackson; brothers, Cecil (Carol) Clausen and Ronnie Clausen. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; Emil and Doris; his in-laws, Herman and Evelyn Rekow; four brothers, LeRoy, Les, Carman and Norman and by four sisters,  Ardith, Shirley, Donnabell and Sandy.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 770 Robert Ave. SW, Eyota, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Pastor Jon Vollrath will be officiating with burial at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com