John W. Claussen

John W. Claussen was born on October 6, 1918 in Sioux City, Iowa to Ella (Kuchel) Claussen and John F. Claussen. Though John’s (called Jack by family and friends in youth) family originated from the Galva and Holstein area, they had moved to the Sioux City area by the time he was born. He attended a variety of country schools through the 7th grade. They returned to a farm east of Galva and he entered 8th grade there. With serious encouragement from his mother and brother, Earl graduated from Galva High School in 1938.

John farmed with his dad and brother Earl in Galva until he enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1941. He was trained as an airplane maintenance gunner and operated an aerial machine gun in combat with the 8th Division. On December 29, 1944 (his 30th mission), his plane was shot down over Germany. He was released from the German War Prison in April of 1945.

When he returned to civilian life, his mother was living on her own in Sioux City. He built a home for the two of them at the corner of 21st and Center. He added a drive-in to the front of the home called the Hop In. He and his mother operated this with the help of carhops and specializing in root beer in frosty mugs, loose meats, and Blue Bunny ice cream until the early 60’s. They then moved to their house in the Riverside area of Sioux City. Jack took care of his mother until her death in 1992.

John joined the Woodbury County Sheriffs department as a deputy shortly after his return from military service. He served in this position for nearly 30 years. During this time he rode his motorcycle, took his canoe out for excursions on local waterways, and always enjoyed a long walk. He always made time to go out to his brother and sister-in-law’s farm, west of McCook Lake to see how the crops were dong and attend family gatherings.

After retirement, he became involved with local bicycle clubs and was part of his first Ragbrai in 1977. He participated in this annual event into the late 1980’s. He also enjoyed the group’s rides in the Yankton area. During those long winter months he knitted gloves and socks, winning ribbons at both county and state fairs. In later years when his vision deteriorated, he started walking to the Riverside Lutheran Church for senior meals. He made many friends there and liked to sing short tunes for them. His niece Patsy and great-great niece Courtney took him to Fareway for groceries. He would tell Courtney what he wanted and she would get it for him.

He spent his last year at Holy Spirit Retirement Home where

he taught his new friends on staff his list of short songs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Claussen; and sister-in-law, Louise Claussen.

John is survived by his niece, Patsy (Larry) Johnson and nephew Dale (Helen) Claussen; great-nieces, Leslie Claussen, Christine Johnson; great-nephew, David Johnson; great-great-nieces, Ashley and Courtney Johnson; and great-great-nephews, Michael (Serena), Aaron and Tyler Johnson.