Funeral services for 85-year old Robert “Bob” Claussen of Martin, SD, are Friday Dec 30, 2022, at 1:00 at the Martin Activity Center.
Burial is at at the Martin Community Cemetery.
Refreshments will follow at the new American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CHART cancer support program to assist other community members who are suffering from the effects of cancer.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
Robert Adams “Bob” Claussen was born in Witten, SD, to Claus and Gladys Claussen on February 15, 1937. He made his eternal journey to our heavenly father on December 26th, 2022, at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Robert attended school in Martin and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1955. While in high school, Robert met the love of his life – his homecoming queen Shirley Farmer. They went on to be happily married for 66 years.
Robert had a strong work ethic instilled within him. He was one of the few rare and lucky individuals to have one job he loved nearly all his life, operating Bob’s Gas Service for 67 Years.
He could be seen delivering propane around the community unless it was 3:00, which was his coffee time when he would sit with his friends to discuss the happenings in the community and solve the world’s problems.
Besides being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, Robert was dedicated to the community in which he lived.
He served as Mayor of Martin, fire chief, boy scout leader, Martin Little League Baseball coach, middle school basketball coach and was a member of the Martin Jaycees for more than 20 years.
Robert was a strong advocate for supporting the Native American population and was awarded the South Dakota Reconciliation Award from Governor George Mikkelson and Ben Black Bear for his efforts to create a cohesive, diverse community.
Robert took pride in Bennett County athletics and served as part of the “chain gang” for the Bennett County Warrior Football team for more than 60 years.
Robert was as dedicated to his family as he was to his community.
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, daughter Deb Soderlin, sons Gregg (Judi) Claussen, and Steve Claussen; grandchildren Shannon (Aaron) Brown, Brandon (Kelli) Claussen, Brett (Kelly) Soderlin, Trent (Carl) Deines, Brittney Soderlin, Chelsi (Brent) Weber, Shelby (Laura) Claussen, Shea Soderlin, Stevi Anne (Taylor) Claussen, Samantha Claussen; and 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Claus, his mother Gladys, his sister Arlene Curtis, his brothers Gail, Lloyd, Ralph, and Kenneth.
Arrangements entrusted with the Bennett County Funeral Home.