The memorial folder for Gary Clasen can be viewed by clicking on any of the photos above.

Gary Clasen Funeral Service

Gary Lee Clasen, age 70, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020, in Sioux Falls after a long battle with cancer.  A private family visitation will be Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home.  A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 8, 2020, at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Brookings with burial to follow at Pioneer Lutheran Cemetery, rural White, SD.  The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on Eidsness Funeral Home's Facebook page and will also be uploaded to www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com later on Friday.   Friends are welcomed to gather in the parking lot of St. Thomas More around 12 noon on Friday to follow in the procession to the cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Avera Cancer Institute online at averafoundation.org and select in memory of Gary Clasen to help direct funds for use to help other cancer patients and research.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gary was born on January 7, 1950, in Rock Rapids, Iowa to Vernon and Colleen (Munns) Clasen.  He grew up on the family farm south of town with his seven siblings.  Gary attended UNI and graduated with a degree in accounting.  After college, he moved to Brookings where he met Lynette Madsen of White, SD.  They were married in Brookings on May 26, 1979.

Gary worked as a finish blade operator for several years; a job he truly loved.  He later worked for Ramsdell's F & M until his retirement.  Gary loved attending his children's events.  He also loved working outdoors and on the machinery at the Madsen farm.  Gary had a true passion for the Minnesota Vikings, and was very excited to be able to attend two games in Minneapolis with his children.

Gary and Lynette's long-time dream was to remodel their home.  Gary started on this project the same year he received his cancer diagnosis.  With the help of many of his family and friends, the project was near completion at the time of his passing.

Survivors include his wife, Lynette of 40 years; his three children, Amanda of Madison, SD, Alyssa of Apple Valley, MN, and Garret (Abby) of Sioux Falls; one granddaughter, Grace; seven siblings, Larry (Shar) Clasen, LaDonna Clasen, Harlan (Vicki) Clasen all of Rock Rapids, IA, Char (Larry) Hulsebus of Ames, IA, Dean (Linda) Clasen of Humboldt, IA, Sharon (Gerry) Frisbie of Sioux Falls, and Marsha Van Hill (Kurt Halfmann) of Sioux Falls; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by parents; infant sister, Charlotte; sister-in-law, Barb Clasen; brother-in-law Norm Van Hill; and nephew, Roger Clasen.