Royle C. Clausen

SIOUX CITY -- Royle C. Clausen, 89, of Sioux City died Monday, April 19, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center -- Sioux City, surrounded by his loving family.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. James United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ryan Christenson officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be sent at christysmith.com.
Royle was born April 12, 1921, in Jackson, Minn., to Claus and Elsie (Christensen) Clausen. He moved to Sioux City when he was 6 weeks old. He attended Sioux City schools, graduating from East High School.
He joined the National Guard after high school graduation and was sent to Camp Claiborne, La., for training. From there his unit was sent to Northern Ireland, where he took British Commando training. He served during World War II in the U.S. Army 133rd Infantry of the 34th Division, obtaining the rank of sergeant, earning three bronze stars and a purple heart. He participated in the invasion of Northern Africa and later fought in Italy as far as Mount Casino, where he was wounded.
When he returned to Sioux City he entered his four-year electrician's apprenticeship. He was a journeyman electrician until his retirement in 1982. Royle was employed by Casler Electric and was a past president and 60-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 231. He was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church, having served on many boards and committees. Royle was a member of Morningside American Legion Post 697 and Morningside Masonic Lodge 615 AF/AM. He was also active in Boy Scout Troop 208. His hobbies included traveling, fishing and round dancing. It was a challenge to him to repair anything mechanical or electrical. After his retirement, Royle and his wife, Margie, enjoyed 23 years as winter Texans.
Royle is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Sioux City; three daughters, Linda and Steve Camarigg of Sioux City, Kathy and Larry Bates of Sioux City and Carol and Bill Spencer of San Jose, Calif.; a daughter-in-law, Agnes "Aggie" Clausen of Sioux City; five brothers, Arnold and Berniece Clausen of Onawa, Iowa, Gail and Lucy Mae Clausen of Le Mars, Iowa, Larry and Dorothy Clausen of Sioux City, Richard Clausen of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Darrell and Vesta Clausen of Sioux City; a sister, Donna Ellysen of Sioux City; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gary; and a brother, Bernard.
Memorials may be given in his name to St. James United Methodist Church.