Obituary of Paul Claussen

Paul K. Claussen "Cliff" Age 73. Passed away Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Melanoma. Born April 23, 1940 in Joliet to Edward and Jean (nee Behringer) Claussen. A U.S. Navy veteran and a boilermaker with over 35 years of service with Local Union #1 Chicago. Cliff enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, stained glass, basketball games and spending time with his five grandkids, who will truly miss him. Survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Joan M. (nee Russell); daughters, Marcy (Peter) Sartori, Merritt (Jim) Edson and Margaret Claussen; five grandchildren, Gianna, Elena and Luke Sartori and Emma and Olivia Edson; one sister, Grace Murphy; brother-in-law of Peggi Lynch, Jim Russell and Ann Marie Russell; devoted friend, Kathy Condon; lifelong friend, Joe Pesavento; and uncle of many nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Alice Gunderson, Nancy Kestel and George Claussen; brother-in-law of Jim Murphy, Kelly Lynch, Fred Kestel and George Gunderson. Funeral Services for Paul K. Claussen will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Cathedral of St. Raymond for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K. Street NW, Suite 800, Washington D.C., 20005 would be appreciated. Visitation Monday 2-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com