Kenneth Lee Clausing

Kenneth Lee Clausing, 82, Peru, passed away on Tuesday evening, October 21, 2025, at home on his little farm.

Born June 22, 1943, in Elmhurst, Illinois, he was the son of Emil J. and Floretta I. (Nerge) Clausing. On August 5, 1972, he was married to Sherry Lee Smalley, and she preceded him in death on September 1, 2022.

Ken was a graduate of Concordia High School, Milwaukee, WI, before attending Valparaiso University, where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in 1966. He then went to serve in the National Teachers' Corps in inner city Pittsburgh and Chicago, and he was drafted out to work at a VA Hospital during the Vietnam Conflict. He then attended Loyola in Chicago where he earned his Masters of Education Degree.

He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Peru, Indiana, where he served as Vicar for several years. He retired from North Miami Jr. Sr. High School where he had taught for twenty-six years, mostly a Seventh Grade Science teacher. He was a part-time farmer, and enjoyed gardening, reading, and being active with the lay ministry at St. John's Church.

Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca (Phil) Masters, Commerce Township, MI; and son, Christopher (Cara) Clausing of Crown Point; grandchildren; Rachel, Joanna, and Noah Clausing and Eva and Abigail Masters; brother, Warren W. (Karen) Clausing, Garden Prairie, IL; and sisters, Sharon L. (Clair) Miller, Gurnee, IL; and Susanne M. (Thomas) Anderson, Belvedere, Il; as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws, including Carl (Jill) Smalley, Lynn Smalley, Patty Schulte, Linda Sheneman, and Kay Smalley.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, as well as brothers-in-law, Robert Smalley, Dennis Smalley, and Gary Schulte.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, October 31, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, as well as one hour prior to the service on Saturday, at the church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. (EST) on All Saints Day, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, Peru, with Pastor Joshua Dub officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church for the benefit of the church choir or the church cemetery.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.