Dorothy J. Clausen

Dorothy J. Clausen, 77, Sioux City, died on Feb. 20, 2018, suddenly, unexpectedly, and peacefully at her home.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 S. Martha St., in Sioux City, with the Rev. Darrin Vick officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.christysmith.com .
Dorothy Janice Hendrickson was born in Trenton, N.J., on April 6, 1940, to Walter and Dorothy (Brelsford) Hendrickson. She attended elementary schools in New Jersey until her mother passed away from tuberculosis when Dorothy was just 11. She moved to Sioux City in January 1952 to live with her father and stepmother, and later adoptive mother, Marvis Hendrickson. Dorothy attended Cooper, East Junior, and East High schools, graduating with the class of 1958.
On March 25, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, and love of her life, Larry D. Clausen, in Raleigh, N.C., while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. After Larry's service, they returned to make Sioux City their home. Dorothy worked at Flowerland on Morningside Avenue with her family. She later purchased it from her mother following which she owned and operated it successfully for 30 years before selling it in 2005.
Having lost her mother when so young, Dorothy devoted her life to her family. She celebrated that each of her children returned to make Sioux City their home. Her family Disney World trips with each grandchild, her Christmases and her Easter egg hunts, were all legendary. Christmas for Dorothy was a year-long event. She loved planning events with her friends and family. She and Larry were working on their 60th East High School Reunion that is planned for this fall. Dorothy cherished every holiday, and family birthday party. She never missed and valued each and every precious opportunity to spend time with her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband of almost 59 years; three children, Tami (Jim) Daane, Timothy (Paula) Clausen, and Todd (Ivy) Clausen; seven grandchildren, Dr. Nicholas Daane, Jillian (Michael) Hixson, Zachary Clausen, Madison Clausen, Brooke Daane, Samuel Clausen and Laryn Clausen; a great-granddaughter, Eleanor Janice Hixson; her mother, Marvis; and her sister, Kimberle Walish.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother-in-law, Douglas Walish; and a grandson, Christopher Clausen Daane.