Jerold “Jerry” R. Clausius, 80, of O’Fallon, Illinois, died Jan. 4, 2023 in Swansea, Illinois.
Jerry was born April 10, 1942 in Milwaukee to Russell and Gerda (nee Wolnik) Clausius, He grew up in Hales Corners, where he attended Union Grove High School and played on the football team. Upon graduation in 1960, he enlisted and served in the Air Force for 27 years. His two most memorable assignments were serving with the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Andrews AFB providing air support to high-ranking Executive Branch members, dignitaries, military leaders, and other VIPs. In Vietnam, he was a flight engineer/crew-chief providing airdrops of equipment, personnel, and pararescue for downed aircrew, earning his entire crew the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon retirement, he returned to Scott AFB as a civilian for another 26 years.
Jerry was an avid motorcyclist and had enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 137, and the O’Fallon Sportsmen’s Club. Most recently, he had been in the process of restoring his 1964 Corvair.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles (Chuck), son David Scott, and wife Jean Roney LaMaster Clausius.
Jerry is survived by his fiancée, Kathy DeSpain-Rogers of O’Fallon; his daughter Holly (Michael) Cullum; five grandsons, John (Amador) and Daniel LaMaster of O’Fallon, and Patrick (Alexis), Drew (Mackenzie), and Nikolas Silva, all of Memphis, Tennesee; his brother Dr. Michael (Joyce) Clausius of Franklin; and his sister Patricia Sadowski of Neilsville.
Memorial donations are requested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Wounded Warriors.
Visitation was on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home in O’Fallon. Funeral Service was Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church in O’Fallon with Pastor Vern Lintvedt officiating. Military honors were rendered. Burial will be in Elroy Cemetery, Elroy.
To sign the guestbook, visit www.wfh-ofallon.com.
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