Eunice L. Claussen

EUNICE L. CLAUSSEN was born on September 12, 1915 to Leonard and Minnie (Rath) Arp near Hardwick, Minnesota. She was baptized on January 7, 1916 in Rock Rapids, Iowa and confirmed her faith on July 3, 1936 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. She married Eldra Claussen on her 24th birthday at Zion Lutheran Church where she remained a lifelong member. The couple owned and operated a farm west of Hardwick. Eunice was a wonderful caretaker for many people throughout her life, including taking care of her husband following his diagnosis of Polio. After Eldra’s death in 1967, Eunice moved into town. She was employed at Mary Jane Brown Home, Fey Printing, and Sather’s Candy Company. She moved to the Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne, Minnesota in 2003 and when Poplar Creek Estates was completed in Luverne in July of 2004, she became one of its first residents. On Tuesday, February 1, 2011 she died at Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 95 years, 4 months, and 19 days.

Eunice was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and her sisters. Her house was always open for coffee and cookies on Saturdays and she loved to host Sunday dinners.

Eunice is survived by her son Bill of Hardwick; a daughter, Marlee Melville and her husband John of St. Cloud, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Jackie Claussen of Pace, Florida; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldra; her parents; a son, Lee Allen; daughter-in-laws, Veronica and Alice; sisters, Norma Rolfs, Helen Erickson, and Elaine Boomgaarden; and a brother, Loryn Arp.

A special thank you to the staff at Poplar Creek Estates assisted living center for their thoughtfulness and excellent care these past years.