Danny L. Claussen

Danny Lee Claussen, 79, of Ephrata, Wash., passed away surrounded by his family May 10, 2025.

Dan was born in Colfax, Wash., on Oct. 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 U.S. 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, Wash. They made their home in the early years of their marriage in the rolling hills of the Palouse until Dan accepted a mechanic position with the Grant County Public Utility District in 1977 and moved his young family from Oakesdale, Wash., 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 of 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; his brothers, Curt, Kenny and Terry; 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 Musselman), Jim Claussen (Natalie) and Melissa Daniels (Ross); his grandchildren, James, BJ, Quinn, Jenna, Blake, Krista (Gus) and 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.

Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Thornton Cemetery, 401 Ralph Henning Road in Thornton, Wash. A celebration of life luncheon will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Rosalia Community Church on W. Third Street in Rosalia, Wash.