Obituaries
John Kenneth Clauson (Ken)
May 18, 1925 - March 12, 2025
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VISITATION
May 16, 2025 | 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 - Memorial Service
- May 17, 2025 | 10:00 A.M.
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Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1145 N. 5th Avenue
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 -
Burial Location
North Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois
John Kenneth Clauson (Ken) 99, of St. Charles, Illinois died on March 12, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 18, 1925 to John and Helen Clauson. He attended Calumet High School and Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and graduated with a degree in economics in 1948. Ken served in the Army Air Corp, and was a WW11 veteran.
Ken’s entire work life was spent in finance, a vocation he enjoyed immensely. He worked in the Continental Bank trust department from 1948-1952, and for Goldman Sachs from 1953-1983, where he was Vice President and manager of the Bond Department from 1962-1983. Ken served as co-chairman of the Municipal Bond School of Chicago in 1972-73 and president of the Municipal Bond Club of Chicago in 1977-78. He was the advisor to the State of Illinois Bureau of the Budget under the Walker and Thompson administration. Ken gave of his time and expertise to many organizations and served as a board member of the Delnor Hospital Men’s Foundation, Delnor Hospital, and the Augustana College Alumni Board. Ken was a very active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, and served as the secretary of the Cornerstone Foundation of Lutheran Social Services.
Perhaps Ken is best known for his gift of creating and sustaining meaningful relationships with people from many different walks of life. Whether it be with grade school classmates, business associates,community members, friends from his beloved farm in Wisconsin, relatives, or golfing buddies, Ken worked hard to maintain relationships with everyone he encountered. He was a true friend to many people.
Ken is predeceased by his wife Betty, who died in 1980. He is survived by his beloved wife Ingrid of 45 years and by four children: Elaine Hewes (Michael Hewes), Ellen Skok, Thom Boyd (Tina Carlson) and Lynn Lee (Tom Lee) and their families, including nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation hours will be held at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main Street in St. Charles on Friday May 16 from 4:00-7:00. A Memorial Service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1145 N. 5 th Ave. in St. Charles at 10:00 on Saturday May 17. Memorial gifts may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation or St. Charles VFW Post 5036.
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Condolences
Erick Montes de Oca from Bonita Springs , FL
"Dear teacher Ingrid Clauson and family, I’m very sorry for your loss! During this difficult time ,may you find confort, peace and strength. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you.Erick."
Jim and Linda Dupre from NAPLES, FL
"Ingrid, Linda and I remember you and Ken fondly. Our sympathies go out to you and the family in your time of loss."
John and Jan Hannah from Sarasota, FL
"Lynn,Tom and Ingrid, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May Ken rest in peace after a life well lived."
Ellen and Fred Smith from St Charles, AK
"Our community has lost its most interesting, respected and friendliest neighbor. Thanks for showing us how to grow older and not miss a beat,Ken. We loved your stories and we will miss you very much. Our sympathies to Ingrid and all the family."
Tony S from Schaumburg , IL
"It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to care for such a kind and gentle man. Ken’s warmth, wisdom, and sense of humor brought joy to those around him, and he will be greatly missed."
Ulrike K from Germany, AK
"Dear Ingrid and family, It’s very sad to read about the loss of Ken. I still remember his open and friendly character when you visited us in Stuttgart many years ago. He brought laughter and happiness to all of us during your visit. We feel with all of you in this hard time and send you our deepest condolences. Best regards, Ulrike and family"
Susan (Kelly) Hogan from Santa Barbara, CA
"Dear Ingrid, I’m so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I still think so fondly of my dad and my last visit to your home in St Charles. My father was always so fond of Ken and was so pleased that you found each other. What a wonderful friend he was to my parents.With warm regards, Susan"