Lowell Claussen, 84
Lowell Fredrick Claussen, 84, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on May 9 surrounded by family. His celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at Renner Lutheran Church (47474 258th St, Renner, S.D. 57055.
Lowell was the oldest of three sons born on Dec. 13, 1940, to Lorenz and Lucille Claussen in Luverne, Minn. He grew up on the family farm helping his father while his mother was a teacher in Valley Springs, S.D.
Lowell attended Valley Springs High School enjoying music and sports. After graduating in 1959 he attended Southern State Teachers College where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Arts in Education in 1963.
His first teaching job was in Highmore, S.D., where he met his wife, Judy Peterson. They were married in Harrold, S.D. 1965. Later moving to Hurley, S.D., where he taught and coached the men’s football and basketball teams, taking Hurley to the State B tournament finishing third in 1970. Lowell then moved to Sioux Falls to take a position at Washington High School from 1970-1994.
Lowell loved sports whether he was playing, coaching or officiating which he did for 24 years. Lowell was involved with VICA which prepares students for a career in trade, technical and skilled occupations. He had students attend and win national competitions. Lowell was inducted into the South Dakota Industrial Arts Hall of Fame in 2023.
He loved spending time with his grandson, Garrett, and granddaughter, Jada Marie, attending their school activities just as he had done with his own children. Lowell and Judy were active at Renner Lutheran Church before their move to Freeman. Lowell and his wife watched the Twins and Vikings when they could along with their family.
Lowell loved spending time talking to former students whether at the track at Huset’s or the drag strip at Thunder Valley or being recognized around town. His love for working on mowers and engines kept him busy after retirement.
Lowell and Judy were going to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in August 2025.
Lowell is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Todd; daughters, Wendy (Dan Buse) and Lori; grandson, Garrett Claussen; and granddaughter, Jada Buse; brother, Lyle (Mary) Claussen, Eileen (Larry) Claussen, Jerry (Nancy) Peterson, Larry (Kayleen) Peterson, Karen (Roger Meyer), Joni (Tom Meyer), Marlys (Robert Salathe), Harry (Donna) Peterson, Terry (Loren Jones), Dixie Peterson; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Larry Claussen, Karen Meyer, Jonie Meyer, Marlys and Robert Salathe; and his in-laws, Orville and Verona Peterson.
