Duane F Claussen

Duane Francis Claussen, 90, Loves Park, passed away Monday, October 28, 2013 at Alpine Fireside Health Center. He was born April 6, 1923 in Rochelle, the son of Daniel and Marie (Harshman) Claussen. Duane married Darlene Russell in Mt. Morris on February 2, 1946, she passed away July 29, 2003. He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps serving in Europe during World War II. He flew many missions as a flight engineer on a B-24 Liberator Heavy Bomber. He graduated from Northrop Aviation Engineering School in Hawthorne, CA, and worked many years at Kable Printing Company in Mt. Morris. Duane was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Duane was a gentleman who loved to tell stories and had a great sense of humor. He was a champion go-kart racer, collected Ford Thunderbirds, and enjoyed riding motorcycles. Duane was also on avid NASCAR fan. He will be dearly missed by his family. Survived by his sons, Earl Claussen of Normal, IL, Jeff (Lee) Claussen of Casa Grande, AZ, Brad (Laurie) Claussen of Rockford, Donn (Joan) Claussen of Rockford, Ronn (Stephanie) Claussen of Winnebago; grandchildren, Benn and Carolynn, Cayla and Hannah, Brendon, Kathleen, Eric, Josalyn, Danielle (Dustin and Isabel Turner). Also survived by sister Pat Todd, numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by wife Darlene, daughter Cheryl, brother Manley, and sister Gloria. There will be a private graveside service on Saturday November 2, 2013 officiated by Rev. Murray Hanson of Third Presbyterian Church of Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials to charity of choice in memory of Duane.