Danny Lee Claussen

Danny Lee Claussen, 79, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away surrounded by his family on May 10, 2025. Burial will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Thornton Cemetery at 11:00AM at 401 Ralph Henning Road in Thornton, Washington,  followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the Rosalia Community Church on W. 3rd Street in Rosalia, Washington at 12:30PM. 

Dan was born in Colfax, Washington, on October 20, 1945, to August and Janette (Freeburg) Claussen. Dan and his sister and four brothers resided in Thornton with their mom and dad. Dan served two years in the US Army. Upon his return from his military service, he worked for several farmers in the Palouse and at the John Deere dealer. In July 1969, Dan married Carolyn Lawrence in Spokane. They made their home in the early years of their marriage in rolling hills of the Palouse until Dan accepted a mechanic position with Grant PUD in 1977 and moved his young family from Oakesdale to Ephrata where he had a long career with the PUD. Dan had many and varied interests throughout his life including fishing, silhouette shooting and numerous other outdoor activities. He even enjoyed a brief stint with flying his ultra-light aircraft and riding in the local Goldwing motorcycle club with Carolyn. He truly had a love of all things planes, trains and automobiles!

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, August and Janette Claussen, his sister, Romane (Claussen) Stroud, brothers Curt, Kenny, Terry and an infant sister Janet and a toddler brother, James. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Claussen, his children Cherie Claussen (Bill), Jim Claussen (Natalie) and Melissa Daniels (Ross) and by his grandchildren James, BJ, Quinn, Jenna, Blake, Krista (Gus), Sarah and numerous great-grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his younger brother, Robert “Uncle Bob” Claussen and many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

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