Richard "Rich" Clausen

Richard “Rich” Clausen, Age 80, of Cedar Lake, IN, formerly of St. John, IN, and Door County, WI during his retirement years, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022 at his residence, with his loving family at his side. Born to the late Lawrence and the late Estella Clausen in Hammond Indiana on September 11, 1942. He is the loving husband of 59 years Carole, beloved father to Steven, proud grandfather to Tyler and Anja, and Great-grandchild Ethan; cherished brother to the late Janice, the late Edward, and Nancy; special father-in-law to Amber. Rich graduated from Hammond High in 1960 and Indiana State University in 1964 with honors, and completed his master’s degree in 1966. He started teaching at the Hammond schools in 1964 spending 15 years in the system teaching Graphic Arts, where he was awarded Indiana State Teacher of the Year, before moving to Gary Area Career Center to develop their program. He left an impression on everyone whose life he touched. Rich was known as a passionate caring teacher that dedicated his life to teaching his trade to the children that came through his programs. He was well regarded by friends and family and was always the person that could be looked to for advice or a caring patient ear to just listen. Visitation will be Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 12 noon until the time of his celebration of life at 3:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (8178 S. Cline Ave; Crown Point, IN 46307). The family has requested that donation be made to Saint Jude’s in place of flowers or gifts.