Donald C. Clauson, 77

Donald C. Clauson, 77, of Ethan, S.D., died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D. Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 13, at George Boom Funeral Chapel, Brandon, S.D., with burial at Beaver Valley Lutheran Cemetery, rural Valley Springs, S.D.

Donald C. “Don” Clauson, the oldest son of Caroll and Hazel (Johnson) Clauson, was born Jan. 17, 1941, in Sioux Falls. Don was passionate about and active in every aspect of farming his entire life. He often spoke about helping on the family farm when he was very young in Flandreau, S.D. While in high school and college, Don worked for several area farmers and agriculture businesses in and around Rowena, S.D. The Wright family and Chuck Newcomb were especially important in giving him work and encouraging him as he became the first in his family to graduate from college. Don was a graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D.

After college, Don entered into his life’s work as an agricultural banker. His work took him to banking establishments in Huron, Corsica, Valley Springs, and Brandon, S.D.; North Platte and Hershey, Neb.; and Fairfax, Minn. He was devoted to his work and to the customers he served, many of whom he called friends. 

Don was also a lifetime 4-H club member. He was especially proud of his many years as a 4-H club participant, especially his participation at the National 4-H Club Congress in Washington, D.C. He served in many capacities for Optimist International. Don was passionate about building new Optimist Clubs regionally, nationally, and internationally and served as a leader and governor at all levels within the Optimist International organization.

Grateful for having shared his life are two children, Christi Bostwick, Northfield, Minn., Steve Clauson and his wife, Stacy, Ethan, S.D.; five grandchildren, Nash Bostwick, Alden Bostwick, Zachary Clauson, Ryanna Clauson, Ashley Clauson; a sister, Mary Garner, Sioux Falls; a brother, Jon Clauson and his wife, Linda, Renner, S.D.; and many other relatives and friends. 

Don was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Clauson; parents, Carroll and Hazel Clauson; an infant sister, Jean Mae Clauson; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Garner.

For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.