Rosemary Clausen

Rosemary Clausen

1931 – 2026

NAPLES, FLORIDA – Rosemary Clausen, 95, of Naples, Florida, formerly a longtime resident of Holstein, passed away on July 19, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Holstein. The Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein is in charge of the arrangements.

Rosemary was born on Feb. 25, 1931, in Early, Iowa, to Lester and Edith (Kelly) Struchen. After graduating from Sacred Heart School in Early, she earned a degree in music from Briar Cliff University.

Rosemary was united in marriage to the love of her life, Roger Clausen, in 1952. They were blessed with two children, Douglas and Elizabeth, and made their home in Holstein, where Roger founded a laminate countertop business, Van Top, which would eventually become VT Industries. While Roger was involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, Rosemary was Roger's steadfast supporter and trusted confidant throughout their 68 years of marriage.

Rosemary’s passion for music blossomed at an early age. She became her church’s organist when she was just 12 years old. Throughout her life, she shared her remarkable musical gifts as an accomplished pianist, a public school music teacher, the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Good Counsel, a drummer in the Holstein German Band, and a member of the Board of Trustees at Briar Cliff University.

Rosemary was widely known for her kind and loving nature, her deep faith, and her generous spirit. She left a lasting mark on her community through philanthropic endeavors that promoted the arts and education, most notably through the creation of the Rosemary Clausen Performing Arts Center in Holstein.

Outside of her music and community service, Rosemary enjoyed golfing, playing bridge with friends, and traveling. Above all else, her greatest joy was the time she spent with her family. Her unwavering love, quiet strength, and generous heart will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Edith; her beloved husband, Roger, in 2020; and her brother, Frank Struchen.

She is survived by her son, Douglas Clausen and his wife, Joanie; her daughter, Elizabeth Hansch and her husband, Dennis; six grandchildren: Ryan Clausen and his wife, Stephanie; Trisha Schmitt and her husband, Colin; Lindsay Armstrong and her husband, Dr. John Armstrong; Aaron Clausen and his wife, Kelsey; Alexander Hansch and his wife, Kelly; and Eric Hansch and his wife, Barbie. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren: Sienna and Hendrix Clausen; Bella, Leo, and Dylan Schmitt; Will, Blair, and Quinn Armstrong; Rosemary, Lenora, and Colette Clausen; Maxwell, Thomas, and Winfred Hansch; and Charles, Jack, and Zoey Hansch. She is further survived by her brother, Ed Struchen, and his wife, Bonni.

Rosemary’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, generosity, and love. Through her music, her devotion to her family, and her unwavering commitment to her community, she leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Rosemary Clausen Performing Arts Center. Online condolences can be made at nicklasdjensenfh.com