Fred A. Clausen

Fred Clausen Sr., age 88, a lifelong resident of Tinley Park, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family. Fred was born on June 28, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to Kristian M. Klausen and Elizabeth G. Perkowski.

Fred met his first wife Lenore Anema when he was only 8 years old, growing up together. They eloped at the age of 17 on May 20, 1955 and were married 36 years. They took guardianship of Fred's 2 sisters after his parent's passed unexpectedly when Fred was 20 years old and then raised 4 children of their own. Fred married his second wife Brenda Ziegler in 1990 and he was a devoted husband until she passed in 2019.

Due to the isolation of the pandemic in 2020, Fred and his first wife Lenore rekindled their lifelong friendship and spent time together along with their kids and grandkids until Lenore passed away in 2023.

Fred proudly worked for Atlas (now Waste Management) for 36 years as a commercial garbage man, where he was respected for his hard work and dedication. One of Fred's favorite hobbies was fishing at the Area No. 1 Club in Coal City where he was a member since 1972. He would cast his line all day with a Budweiser in hand. He was a lifelong die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and loved NASCAR. Fred also took great pride in his vegetable garden, which overflowed each year with hot peppers and tomatoes. His passion for the outdoors, fishing, gardening and the Cubs are now shared and cherished by all his children and grandkids.

Fred had a special bond with his beloved dog, Lucky, who brought him years of joy and companionship. Lucky was always faithfully by his side until the end.

Fred was a man’s man with a rough exterior and a quiet, shy demeanor. He was a friend to many and would defend and support those who he cared for without hesitation. He had a soft side that he let shine through more and more to those he loved in his later years. He developed a relationship with Jesus and the Bible which helped him find peace and forgiveness.

Fred was the cherished father of Fred Clausen Jr., Norma (George) Murray, John (Mary) Clausen, and Shirley (William) Chada. He was also the proud grandpa of Samantha (Kyle) Cermak, Michael Chada, Cole Chada, Brooke Prusa, and Alyssa Murray, and an extremely proud great grandpa of Cameron Cermak. His family brought him great pride and joy, and his memory will live on through them.

He was the loving older brother to the late Donna Grzan, Barbara Albrecht, Jerry Clausen, and Marie Erickson.