Powell David "Pete" Claussen

Powell David “Pete” Claussen passed on November 19, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 22, 1935, to Edward and Katie Mae (Lucas) Claussen. He married Beverly Jo Severns on October 15, 1955. Pete was a self-educated man. He built his welding shop, Claussen Machine Shop, from the ground up starting in July 1971. He designed, fabricated, and machined parts and pieces for people across the state. The most impressive thing he built was a legacy of family. Along with his wife, Beverly Jo, he raised 6 amazing kids, David, Lisa, Brett, Howie, Bryon and Marty; 5 nieces and nephews; 16 grandkids; and 21 great grandkids. He never lacked love and never knew a quiet Sunday lunch. Pete loved few things more than his family but bus trips, gun smithing, hunting, mushrooming, trap shooting and side by side rides made for a close contest. He leaves an outsized imprint on communities across the country with the lessons he passed on to his family and all the people he helped over the decades. Pete retired at the age of 85, his son David continues the family tradition of serving the community. He will be deeply missed. Pete is survived by his children, David (Angela Kats) Claussen of Petersburg, Lisa (Mike Watson) of Kilbourne, and Bret (Barbara Shoemaker) of Morganton, North Carolina; a daughter in law, Karen Claussen; Sandy O’Brien; his nieces and nephews, Pamela (Dennis) Stevens, Ron, Colleen, Cliff and Tim; sixteen grandchildren; and twenty-one great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Jo; his parents; three sons, Marty Claussen, Bryon Claussen and Howie Claussen; and two brothers, Joe and Neil Claussen. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Illinois, from 11 am to 12 pm. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Carol Stufflebeam officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakford United Methodist Church in Oakford, Illinois. Please visit Pete’s online obituary at hurleyfh.com where you may leave condolences and share memories with his family. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting his family with arrangements.

Powell David "Pete" Claussen

July 22, 1935 - November 19, 2023

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