Carol Claussen

  Carol Jean Claussen, 94, went to be with her Lord on August 8, 2025.   Carol was born November 22, 1930 in Madison County, Iowa.  She attended Earlham Community School, graduating in 1948.  Carol then attended the State Teachers College (later named University of Northern Iowa) earning a two-year certificate in Elementary Education.   Carol’s life interests were family, church, education and quilting. 

 

In the fall of 1950, she began teaching first grade in the Ogden Community Schools.  She met her future husband Warren Claussen shortly after arriving in Ogden.  They were married December 23, 1951.  Carol continued teaching for 3 years, then became a stay-at-home mom while raising their 4 children.  She was very active at Zion Lutheran Church teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Confirmation classes.  She was also involved in Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  She enjoyed being a den mother for Cub Scouts and was involved in other activities with her children.  While all 4 children were enrolled in school, Carol completed her Bachelor’s degree in Education at Iowa State University in 1972 and taught first grade in Ogden before retiring in 1992.  

 

She loved quilting and enjoyed it for her entire life, making many quilts for family members, Lutheran World Relief, the annual quilt auction at Camp Okoboji, and other charities.   

 

Carol is survived by her husband of 73 years, Warren; daughter Debra (Victor) Kesse of Urbandale, IA; son Steven (Linda) Claussen of Altoona, IA; son Daniel (Diane) Claussen of Omaha, NE; and son Thomas (Melanie) Claussen of Birmingham, AL.  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Kathryn (Richard) Handy of Ames, IA.  

 

  Carol was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Myrtle Thrailkill, her sisters Mary Meyers and Helen Hallowell, her brothers John Thrailkill and Wayne Thrailkill, grandson, Nicholas Claussen, and daughter-in-law Gwen Claussen.

 

Services will be held Friday August 22, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa with visitation from 9:30am followed by a memorial service at 10:30am.   Burial will be at a later date.

 

Memorials may be sent to the Ogden Community Scholarship Foundation, 207 Maple Street, Ogden, IA 50212 or to Zion Lutheran Church, 319 West Elm Street, Ogden, IA 50212.  No flowers please. 

 

The family wishes to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and friendship throughout Carol’s life and following her passing.  The support has been a great source of comfort and is deeply appreciated.  Special thanks to the pastors at Zion Lutheran and the staff at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, IA.