Herbert E. Clauson (May 28, 1941 - August 26, 2023)

Herbert E. Clauson passed away on August 26, 2023, at the age of 82. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

Born on May 28, 1941, at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Herb was the beloved son of Eric and Marie Clauson. He spent his formative years on farms in southern Wisconsin. From an early age, Herb was active in farm life and liked working with his dad. At the age of 7, he was driving a tractor with remarkable skill, unconsciously modeling his father's strong work ethic.

His elementary education in a one-room schoolhouse prepared Herb well. His education continued to flourish when his family moved to Rockford, IL. He graduated from East High School in 1959 and further pursued his studies at North Park College in Chicago, where he met the love of his life, Elaine Selin. On June 18, 1966, they joined their lives in marriage, embarking on a journey of shared dreams and aspirations.

Upon graduation from college, Herb spent two transformative years as a Peace Corps volunteer doing agriculture extension in a mountain town in Colombia, S. A. Already quite fluent in Swedish due to his family heritage, he learned to speak Spanish. Upon return home, he pursued a Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, setting the stage for a life of service.

A dedicated professional, Herb found his calling with The United Way, where he served as Executive Director in several cities. Starting at the United Way of Milwaukee, Herb and Elaine moved to Niagara Falls, NY, then to Leominster, MA,  followed by Wilmington, DE, Libertyville, IL, Springfield, MA, and Green Bay, WI. Even after his retirement, Herb sought ways to serve. He and Elaine spent five fulfilling years in Quito, Ecuador, supporting the Evangelical Covenant Church of Ecuador.  Upon return in 2005, they lived in Williams Bay, WI, where Herb enjoyed working on the Covenant Harbor Bible Camp maintenance team.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Herb's most fulfilling hobby was woodworking, an interest likely influenced by his father, who was also a carpenter. He loved cars and understood their mechanics. His delight in owning a 1946 Dodge truck reflected that skill, as well as nostalgia for his growing up years.

Herb was the thankful father of four sons who carry on his legacy of compassion, hard work, and community service. He loved being involved in their lives and interests; his quiet faith in Jesus Christ was evident to them. He found joy in serving the church that blessed him and his family in each community where they lived.

Herb Clauson's life was one of purpose, compassion, and dedication. His strength of character impacted the lives he touched, the communities he served, and the family he cherished.  As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the life he lived, including the grace he exhibited as he lived with Parkinson's disease for two decades. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Herb is survived by Elaine, his wife of 57 years, and his sons, Andrew (Juliana) Clauson of Chicago, Nils (Erika) Clauson of Fridley, MN, and David (Angela Darrow) Clauson of McMinnville, OR, as well as his daughter-in-law, Deanna Clauson, and nine grandchildren: Noah, Ella, Matias, Lucas, Maya, Kai, Sebas, Eva, and August Lily.  He is also survived by his sister, Florence Lindstrom Morrison of Arlington Heights, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son John.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Evangelical Covenant Church, 2001 Lakeview Dr., Wheaton, IL, 60189. The service will be livestreamed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/@faithcovenant_church .

Memorial gifts may be directed to Faith Evangelical Covenant Church ; Covenant World Relief and Development ; Windsor Park Benevolent Fund .

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .