Jerry B. Clausen

Jerry B. Clausen, 82, of Rockford passed away Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born October 31, 1931 in Rockford, the son of James and Gladys (Hilt) Clausen. Jerry graduated from West High School in 1949. He was a veteran serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, 1952-1954, receiving an honorable discharged as a Sgt. 1st Class. He was a survivor of the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, earning a Purple Heart and other medals of honor. Jerry married Cecelia ‘Iyonne’ Gustin on June 19, 1954; they celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage prior to her passing on February 16, 2014. They were both members and very active at Burritt Community Church. Jerry was a wood carver his entire life and owned Specialty Carving Company for many years, retiring in 2001. In retirement, he liked to hand carve, making many canes and prior to his death, he took up pyrography. Jerry loved to cook outside with cast iron, enjoyed camping and fishing, flower gardening, and especially loved the time he spent with his grandchildren. Jerry performed with the Hope Quartet, and also played the upright string bass with Heritage Strings and later with Friendship Harmony.
Survived by his children, Kirk (Judi) Clausen and Laurene (Bob) Logsdon; grandchildren, Zachary, Stephanie, Evan and Jared; sister-in-law, Andrea (Mrs. Myron) Clausen and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents, siblings, Alfred, Shirley (Carter) and Myron.
Funeral service will be at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at Burritt Community Church, 8373 Trask Bridge Road with Pastor Larry Moody officiating. Burial in North Burritt Cemetery. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the church on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Jerry’s name at a later date. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: http://www.fitzgeraldfh.com/.