Ronald Allen Clausen, 74, of Rochester, MN passed away Saturday, November 29, 2014.  He was at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, AZ for 5 days before succumbing to an 11 month hard fought battle with gallbladder cancer.

Ron was born to Elmer and Marie Clausen on September 14, 1940 and grew up on the family farm near Stacyville, Iowa.  He attended a one room schoolhouse until 3 ^rd grade and then went on to graduate from St. Ansgar High school where he participated in track and football.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Audrey Jean Baldner on July 16, 1960, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Toeterville, Iowa.  In their 54 years together they shared so many memorable times which included dancing, playing cards, family vacations, Viking games, visiting casinos, and many trips and happy hours with friends.  They spent their summers boating on the Mississippi River and camping in Wabasha MN for 49 years and their winters were as snow birds in Arizona for 14 years.

Ron worked at the Oliver Plant in Charles City, IA until moving to Rochester in 1961. He worked at Gopher Aviation for 10 years until they closed.  He then worked at the Woodruff Company for a short time until he went to the Rochester State Hospital as a Purchasing Agent.  When the Hospital closed in 1982, he commuted to the Regional State Hospital in Faribault until he retired in 1997.  He worked part time at RCTC until 2003.  He spent several years coaching and helping with youth football and hockey. Ron was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, the Legion, the Eagles, and a Life time member of the Elks.

Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting and shooting pool.  He kept physically fit doing chin ups and playing football with the grandkids.  He didn't require a lot of sleep and loved to socialize.  He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Ron was a devoted Husband, supportive Dad and awesome "Pops".  He loved spending time with his grandkids taking them tubing on the Mississippi, attending their concerts and sporting events, and sharing stories of growing up on the farm.  He will be remembered for his smile, quick wit, and all the lessons he taught us, especially the importance of family through thick and thin.

Ron is survived by: His wife, Audrey; daughter Kristie (Eldon) Anderson of Stewartville, MN, son Bruce (Colleen) of Apple Valley, MN.  Five grandchildren; Kaylie and Monika Anderson, Karina, Shelby and Brody Clausen; sister Ann (Dean) Boynton of Anoka, MN and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Myrna and Shirley, and brother Rodney.

Visitation will be at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home Friday, Dec 5th from 4-7PM. The memorial service will be at 11AM Saturday, Dec 6 ^th in the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com