Donald Lee Clausen, 65, of Sturgis, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026 surrounded by family. He left behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering devotion to his family.

He was born on January 17, 1961, in Douglas, Wyoming, to Fred and Sharon Clausen.

Donald attended and graduated Douglas High School where he played and excelled in various sports.

Donald proudly served in the United States Army where he successfully completed several overseas tours and ended his service with the Chadron Nebraska National Guard with Honors.

Through the hard work and dedication that Donald exemplified, he successfully completed a career with the United States Postal Service as Post Master in Crawford, Nebraska.

He was married to the love of his life, Kimber and together they built a large and vibrant family. Donald was the proud father of eight children: Nicolle (Spencer) Truett, Conan Clausen, KayDe (Mike) Steelman, Shilo (Ryan) LaMont, Joshua (Kirstey) Zorbas, Tristiny Clausen, Tannyn Clausen, Shyann (Jefferson) Lenoir. He was also a proud grandfather to 19 grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy.

His passions included traveling and spending time with friends and family. Whether he was playing trivia, poker, darts, or riding motorcycles with his brother (Tank) and his big stick family. Donald lived a life defined by adventure, generosity, and connection he cherished the laughter and camaraderie that came with being surrounded by those he cared about. Donald will be remembered for always trying to be there for others when they needed him most. If someone called, he showed up.

Don is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, his father, Fred Clausen; brother, Charles Davies; and two sisters, Christina Bellinger and Anita Overgaard.

He was preceded in death by his two younger brothers, Michael and Johnathan; his mother, Sharon; and his daughter, Tristiny.

Don's presence was larger than life, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

A ceremony at Black Hills National Cemetery will take place on June 12, 2026 starting at 12:30pm.

A memorial gift in honor of Donald Lee Clausen can be made, in lieu of flowers to Disabled American Veterans (DOV) https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/