Barbara Clausen

Barbara Jean Clausen (Loken), age 80 of Waseca, left to be with our Lord on the morning of August 31st, 2020. Barb was a recent addition to the residents of the Lakeshore Inn Nursing Home, Waseca, after having an unexpected diagnosis of advanced cancer.

Born in New Richland, September 26, 1939, Barbara was the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy Loken. Happily raised on a farm near St. Olaf Lake, she grew up in the area while attending New Richland Schools. One of her early crowning achievements was being named Dairy Princess in her High School years. She graduated from New Richland High School, and continued to work in the area until she met a strapping young man returning from the Navy, Douglas Clausen of Pemberton. The courtship that ensued contained a lot of dancing and late nights with Doug, Doug’s brother Ronnie, and his soon to be bride Lois (Brandvold).

Barb and Doug tied the knot in July, 1961, and a short time later decided to build their first home near Clear Lake in Waseca. During this time Barb worked at E. F. Johnson Co., and had her first son, Troy Douglas. Doug worked in road construction, and traveled daily to the Metro or as needed throughout Southern MN. With the produce from Doug’s garden, Barbie perfected her canning skills, and made the best homemade tomato sauce, beet pickles, and sweet pickles this side of Heaven. A few years on, son number two came into the world, Trent Mitchell. With her two ‘T’s’, Barb continued to be a steadfast homemaker, crafting perfect oven and crockpot meals for her husband and growing boys, while taking on receptionist duties at a local dentist office.

As her boys grew up, Barb moved to the staff of Lakeshore Inn as a Nurses Aid; learning, growing, and most of all caring for the residents and staff. She shifted some years later to the activities department, coordinating and providing activities for Lakeshore Inn, Latham Place, and Colony Court. In her time on staff at Lakeshore Inn, she cared for her father in law, mother, and husband.

She always had a smile on her face, and was looking to create a spark in the eyes of her friends / residents, and co-workers. She loved singing, playing piano, laughing and crafting. Barbie always had an idea of how to turn that pipe-cleaner into a 3D reindeer, or angel, or whathaveyou. She lived to serve others, and to bring smiles to the faces of those who may be hurting or lonely. She brought the best of herself, so others could feel better.

Barb is survived by her two sons, Troy Clausen of Waseca, and Trent (Carrie) Clausen of Elk River; three grandchildren, Cody, Dylan, and Connor, and her brother Roger Loken of Rochester. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Doug Clausen, and her parents Arthur and Dorothy Loken.

Public services are planned at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca, Friday, September 4th at 11:00 AM. With consideration to today’s environment, this is a small open air service without follow-on reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Barb’s name, to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waseca.